Federal Air Marshal Team Provides Medical Assistance at Midway, Gives Passenger Second Chance
Workforce Stories
Federal Air Marshals (FAMs) are well known for the law enforcement presence and security they provide aboard aircraft in flight. Less known is their mission to ensure the safety and security of the traveling public while on the ground – before, between, and after their flights.
On Thursday, September 2, an air marshal team transiting through Chicago’s Midway International Airport responded to a medical emergency and saved a life.
While walking to their assigned gate, the FAM team discovered an unconscious passenger lying on the floor near the departure area. After a quick medical assessment, it was determined that the passenger did not have a pulse and had stopped breathing. The FAM team immediately began providing medical assistance and retrieved an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
Acting quickly, the FAM team and a passing flight attendant applied the AED’s pads to the passenger’s chest and initiated a scan with the device. The AED’s automatic assessment indicated a shock was necessary to restore a normal pulse. After receiving a single ‘shock’ from the AED, a normal pulse was restored. A respiratory therapist who was in the area provided positive ventilation and oxygen to the passenger. The FAM team remained with the passenger until paramedics arrived to take over care for the passenger and transport him to a local hospital.
“Federal Air Marshals are highly trained professional law enforcement officers with emergency medical response capabilities,” said Federal Air Marshal Service Special Agent in Charge Ted Hresko. “I am proud of the FAM team’s quick response during this medical emergency and their dedication to the public welfare.”
According to the American Red Cross, sudden cardiac arrest strikes more than 300,000 victims each year, of which only about five percent survive. Early access to advanced care, including CPR and defibrillation within the first ten minutes, offer the best chances for long-term survival.
Thanks to the swift actions of the FAM team, the flight attendant, and the respiratory therapist, the cardiac arrest was rapidly identified and the passenger successfully revived in a short period of time.
