Photo By Tech. Sgt. Curt Beach | Team Barksdale members applaud Kimberly Farmer, 2nd Medical Support Squadron...... read more read more
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After a long day of work, most people have a set routine they follow that takes them from the doors of their workplace to the front steps of their home without much incident.
For Kimberly Farmer, 2nd Medical Support Squadron laboratory technician, her end-of-the-day routine was about to collide with a life or death situation.
In early July, Farmer stopped at a local convenience store to make some routine purchases.
“When I got there, one employee was yelling to another employee, ‘I need help! I need help!’” said Farmer. “The manager of the store was unconscious in his office, slumped over his desk. The employees laid him on the floor and were trying to get him to regain consciousness.”
Farmer asked if he was breathing. They didn’t know. She asked if he had a pulse. They weren’t sure.
At that point Farmer, who has been a member of the 2nd MDSS for more than eight years, jumped into action. She determined the man had a pulse but wasn’t breathing. She began performing CPR while the employees called 9-1-1.
Farmer continued CPR until the fire department arrived approximately five minutes later.
The man was transferred to an intensive care unit at a local hospital, where he stabilized.
On Aug. 12, Col. Ty Neuman, 2nd Bomb Wing commander, awarded Farmer the Command Civilian Award for Valor.
The Command Civilian Award for Valor recognizes an individual who demonstrates unusual courage or competence in an emergency, either on or off duty, beyond the call of duty that warrants special recognition. It is equivalent to the military Air Force Commendation Medal when awarded for courage or heroism.
The award reads, “In recognition of her distinguished performance as Medical Laboratory Technician, Air Force Global Strike Command, 2nd Medical Group, 2nd Medical Support Squadron, July 20, 2016. Ms. Farmer decisively rendered lifesaving cardiopulmonary resuscitation to an unconscious person, maintaining life until emergency medical personnel arrived on the scene. Her quick thinking and response delivery of crucial blood and air flow to the individual’s vital organs, ultimately saving his life. Her exemplary actions reflect credit upon herself and the United States Air Force.”
During the ceremony, Neuman said, “It’s a distinct honor to recognize Ms. Farmer and her heroic actions. Her act of bravery really demonstrates her strength and moral character. The gentleman Ms. Farmer saved that day and his family are very thankful for her actions. We are proud to have Ms. Farmer on our team!”
Thanks to Farmer’s quick actions and medical training, the man is now back to work and is doing fine.
To anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation in the future, Farmer says, “Don’t hesitate to help because you could save someone’s life. You never know what’s going to happen or when you might be in a situation where you can have a significant impact on someone or save a life. Don’t hesitate.”
| Date Taken: | 08.18.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 08.18.2016 11:13 |
| Story ID: | 207551 |
| Location: | BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, LA, US |
| Web Views: | 48 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Barksdale Airman saves local man’s life, awarded medal for valor, by TSgt Curt Beach, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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