Seabees Provide Immediate Medical Assistance

KOSRAE, U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

08.18.2016

Courtesy Story

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11

By Chief Builder Billy J Womack, NMCB 11, Detachment Kosrae

LELU, Kosrae -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 Construction Civic Action Detail (CCAD) Kosrae recently provided critical medical aid to a resident that was severely injured in a safety mishap on August 18th.

Upon arrival at a local establishment, five Seabees were approached by a woman running outside pleading for assistance.

Construction Electrician 2nd Class Dara Wells led the team of Seabees to the scene where a man was lying on the ground bleeding heavily from the head, mouth, and nose with one eye swollen shut. The team members immediately calmed the frantic residents and began to check the victim’s responsiveness, pulse and breathing.

“Thankfully, we were at the right place at the right time. We saw the panic and distress amongst the locals and realized the importance in remaining calm, and stabilizing the injured man until help arrived,” said Utilitiesman 3rd Class Chavelle Taylor.

They instructed the residents providing aid to gently apply a towel to the victim’s head, stabilize his head and neck, roll him on his side to prevent him from choking, and to elevate his feet in order to prevent shock.

“When the locals approached us so quickly for help, it made me feel really good about the trust they have in us, and made me even more committed to the work we are doing here for them,” said Construction Electrician 2nd Class Dara Wells.

The team continued to remain on-site, provide first aid, and keep the victim and residents calm until the ambulance arrived. Due to the quick response and the aid provided by NMCB 11’s personnel, the victim was successfully transported to the hospital without losing consciousness and is currently recovering at the local hospital.

After further assessing the area where the mishap occurred, it was discovered that the victim had fallen from the second tier of scaffolding while doing electrical work. The scaffolding was poorly constructed, wet, ungrounded and proper footwear was not being utilized by the victim. It was not determined if the man had fallen from the scaffolding due to electrocution.

Members of NMCB 11’s CCAD Kosrae continue to strengthen relationships daily with the Federated States of Micronesia, Kosrae by providing construction support, construction apprentice training, medical outreach, and community support to the local populace.

NMCB 11 is a Seabee battalion specializing in contingency construction, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance. The battalion's homeport is in Gulfport, Miss.

The Naval Construction Force is a vital component of the U.S. Maritime Strategy. They offer deployable battalions capable of providing contingency construction, disaster preparation and recovery support, humanitarian assistance, and combat operations support.

• Date Taken: 08.18.2016
• Date Posted: 08.29.2016 11:24
• Story ID: 208414
• Location: KOSRAE, U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY