Photo By Bernhard Lashleyleidner | Maj. John Thurlow, squadron surgeon, 4th Sqdn., 4th Cav. Regt., 1st ABCT, 1st Inf....... read more read more
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CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait – On Sept. 20, Maj. John Thurlow, squadron surgeon, 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, received the Army Commendation Medal for his heroic actions the previous month.
As the Aurora, Illinois, native sat down to eat dinner with a group of Soldiers from his unit Aug. 14, he noticed someone at the opposite table choking.
Initially, it was not clear to anyone that it was an emergency because the Soldier was trying to manage the situation on her own, but it became evident when she was unable to breathe and began signaling to the crowd it was an emergency.
Thurlow sprang into action by quickly moving to the Soldier’s location and started and performing the Heimlich maneuver.
“I asked if she was choking and she could not reply,” Thurlow said. “I immediately started abdominal thrusts by making a fist with my right hand, just above her belly button, wrapping my left arm around her abdomen, grasping my right fist and thrusting in and up.”
Medical professionals are experienced in helping Soldiers in emergencies, but Thurlow said this was the first time he had to use the maneuver in such a situation.
“I was surprised at how much force it took to relieve the obstruction,” Thurlow said. “It took about 10 to 20 seconds, but it felt like an eternity.”
The Soldier, whose life Thurlow saved, was thankful for his actions however, she asked that her name not be used.
“It is nice to know there are people around who will take care of you in an emergency,” she said.
“Maj. Thurlow is a hero.”
According to the National Safety Council, choking and suffocation represents the third leading cause of home and community death in the United States.
When Soldiers make quick trips to the dining facility and try to eat a lot of food in a short period of time, Thurlow said, it can be a recipe for a potential choking incident.
“This was the first time an incident like this has taken place in the dining facility since we deployed to Kuwait,” said, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Roland Merriweather, food service advisor, 1st ABCT. “I’m glad Maj. Thurlow was there to help.”
Col. John Reynolds III, commander, 1st ABCT, presented Thurlow with the Army Commendation Medal in front of more than 50 of his peers following one of the brigade’s monthly leadership professional development events.
The medal is awarded to members of the Army who distinguish themselves by an act of heroism, extraordinary achievement, or significant meritorious service.
Thurlow urged everyone, no matter their location, to have a basic understanding and application of first aid because it could save lives.
| Date Taken: | 10.03.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 10.03.2014 07:27 |
| Story ID: | 144149 |
| Location: | CAMP BUEHRING, KW |
| Web Views: | 103 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, ‘Devil’ brigade surgeon rescues choking victim, by MAJ Fredrick Williams, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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