Between life and breath: Grand Forks AFB pilot helps save airline passenger

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Christine Collier
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D --  "Is anyone here a doctor?"

Sometimes, emergency situations arise when least expected. However, a Grand Forks Airman recently demonstrated his abilities to think quickly and react effectively during a life-threatening situation onboard a departing aircraft.

Capt. Matt Collins, a pilot and executive officer for the 905th Air Refueling Squadron, was on a plane en route to a temporary duty assignment when he noticed a nearby passenger who appeared to be short of breath.

"Initially, it appeared that he was simply out of breath from running through the terminal to meet the late departure time," Captain Collins said. "But within a short period of time, it progressed to extremely labored breathing."

The passenger's wife signaled to flight attendants that her husband was having trouble catching his breath, but in less than a minute, the man fell unconscious and stopped breathing entirely.

Knowing every second without oxygen is crucial, Captain Collins immediately responded to the situation by jumping from his seat and unfastening the man's lap belt. He proceeded to lift him from his seat and into the aisle in preparation for CPR, an arduous task as the captain judged the man to weigh approximately 250 pounds.

"Because of his size and his long legs, I took extra care to ensure I did not inadvertently hurt him in the process," the captain said. "To prevent any injury, I used my body to cushion him as I hoisted him into the aisle."

As Captain Collins worked to position the passenger in the aisle, a nurse who was onboard the aircraft came forward with a flight attendant and a medical emergency kit. Because he had no pulse, the nurse administered a charge from the defibrillator.

Emergency medical technicians arrived at the scene shortly thereafter and also began resuscitation efforts.

"While this was happening, I was alternately assisting the EMTs and trying to offer comfort and reassurance to the gentleman's wife," Captain Collins said. "After several minutes, the gentleman was still unresponsive, and it dawned on me that he was likely going to die."

Yet, despite the dire circumstances, EMTs were able to restart the passenger's heart and his pulse resumed. After the man began breathing on his own, the EMTs loaded him onto a gurney, taking him off the plane for transportation to a hospital.

Captain Collins credited his Air Force training for preparing him to handle the critical situation that day.

"I believe that the training I've received as a pilot enabled me to remain calm and act both decisively and expeditiously during this emergency," he said. "Additionally, this incident highlighted the importance of being proficient at Self-Aid/Buddy Care. As I learned first-hand, you never know when or in what setting our SABC training may contribute to a medical emergency."

The captain also emphasized that remaining calm is paramount, and that the first actions taken when an emergency occurs are the most important.

"I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to render assistance to someone in need," Captain Collins said. "The most rewarding aspect of my experience was the 'thank you' I received from the gentleman's wife. In a matter of minutes and with no warning, she nearly lost her spouse. The look on her face when she heard her husband's heart had started beating again was indescribable. More than anything, I believe that God has a plan, and in this particular case, I feel blessed that I was able to make a difference."