Photo released: Coast Guard presents Achievement Medal to Franklin Square, NY, native

Photo By David Marin | Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew C. Vardakis poses for a photo after receiving the Coast Guard Achievement Medal at the Fleet Reserve Club in Annapolis, Md., Jan. 23, 2015. Bishop was a crew member aboard the 45-foot Response Boat – Medium on a July 4, 2014, search and rescue case, helping save the lives of three people. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class David R. Marin)  

ANNAPOLIS, MD, UNITED STATES

01.23.2015

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class David Marin 

U.S. Coast Guard District 5   

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Coast Guard presented the Achievement Medal to Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew C. Vardakis Friday at 9 a.m. at the Fleet Reserve Club in Annapolis, for saving the life of three boaters in 2014.

Vardakis, a native of Franklin Square, New York, was part of the crew from Coast Guard Station Annapolis that responded to the scene of a boating accident on the Severn River near Annapolis, July 4, 2014.

Crewmembers aboard a 45-foot Response Boat – Medium from Station Annapolis saw the accident and navigated through the congested waterway where spectators had gathered aboard approximately 600 boats to watch the Independence Day fireworks display.

Once on scene, Vardakis assessed the situation and began prioritizing the treatment of the injured passengers. Vardakis assisted in stabilizing a passenger he identified as potentially having a life-threatening head injury.

Vardakis also aided with the care of a boater who had suffered lacerations by wrapping her leg to prevent further loss of blood, and another who was suffering from shock.

The damaged boat was towed to a local pier and the injured transferred to awaiting EMT personnel. Vardakis assisted the EMTs with securing the most injured member to a backboard in anticipation of an airborne medical evacuation.

“Boaters have many factors that they need to keep in mind to boat safely,” said Vardakis, the boarding officer during the response. “Boaters should always maintain a safe speed, taking sea-state, visibility and their experience into consideration.”

The Coast Guard Achievement Medal is awarded to people who distinguish themselves for professional and/or leadership achievement in a combat or non-combat situation based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature.

The original press release is available by following this link: http://www.uscgnews.com/go/doc/4007/2199442/

• Date Taken: 01.23.2015
• Date Posted: 01.23.2015 16:10
• Story ID: 152622
• Location: ANNAPOLIS, MD, US
• Hometown: FRANKLIN SQUARE, NY, US