U.S. Sailors Save Local Civilian Contract Worker

Courtesy Photo | Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Purvis Williams conducts a head-to-toe assessment on Mineman 1st Class James Bivens on board USS Cardinal (MHC 60). Williams, an independent duty corpsman and Seguin, Texas native, provided life-saving medical attention to a Bahraini contract worker on USNS Catawba (T-ATF 168) while in port at Mina Salman pier Jan. 24. Official U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Curt Cooper.  

MANAMA, BAHRAIN

01.27.2006

Courtesy Story

DVIDS Hub       

By Photographer's Mate 1st Class Curt Cooper

MANAMA, Bahrain " The quick response of two U.S. Navy Sailors saved the life of a local civilian contract worker on USNS Catawba (T-ATF 168) while in port at Mina Salman pier Jan. 24.

Master-at-Arms 3 rd Class Hilly Davis from Naval Security Force, Bahrain was the first to respond when a report came of a local civilian worker aboard Catawba who was experiencing chest pains. Davis sent out an alert to other U.S. Navy units on the pier and Hospital Corpsman 1 st Class Purvis Williams from Mine Hunter Crew Loyalty on board USS Cardinal (MHC 60) responded.

When informed of the patient's symptoms, Williams, a Seguin, Texas native, boarded Catawba and performed a head-to-toe assessment and determined that the worker suffered a heart attack.

"I used an automatic external defibrillator, or AED, to determine whether or not he was is in fact having a heart attack," he said. "I applied treatment and stabilized the patient until an ambulance arrived."

Local Bahrain based emergency rescue personnel transported the patient to a local hospital where he is reportedly in good condition, according to Lt. Julius Lim, Commander Mine Counter-Measures Division's chief staff officer.

"The quick response of Davis and the professional knowledge of Williams were essential in the successful resolution of this medical emergency," said Lim.

"From a personal standpoint, for me to be in a position to help this gentleman is extremely gratifying. I felt like it was my duty, and I am happy I was able to help," said Williams.

USS Cardinal is forward deployed in the 5th Fleet area of operations, conducting maritime security operations (MSO).

MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons, or other material.

• Date Taken: 01.27.2006
• Date Posted: 01.27.2006 09:10
• Story ID: 5218
• Location: MANAMA, BH