Photo By Maj. Zachary Anderson | Army 1st Lt. Craig Van Praag, a traditional reservist assigned to the 931st Air...... read more read more
WICHITA, Kan. - When 1st Lt. Craig Van Praag made his way into the food court at the BX here yesterday afternoon, his mind was mostly on what he'd be having for lunch. However, his thoughts quickly changed when he noticed something that didn't seem quite right.
"I saw an individual that appeared to be choking," said Van Praag, a traditional reservist who works on base during the week in a civilian capacity as manpower chief for the 22nd Force Support Squadron.
"At first, it didn't appear to be very serious, and I just thought he had something go down the wrong pipe. But after a few seconds, it was obvious he was in real trouble," he said.
Acting quickly, Van Praag rushed across the food court to the victim.
"I asked him if he could breathe, and he gave me the sign for choking, with his hands on his throat and shook his head 'no'," said Van Praag. "So I decided to try the Heimlich maneuver."
Van Praag positioned himself behind the victim, wrapped his arms around him and thrust his fists upward into the victim's diaphragm in an attempt to clear the choking individual's windpipe.
"I gave him a couple of thrusts, and I asked him if he could breathe, and he again gave me the choking sign and shook his head 'no'," said Van Praag. "So I proceeded to give him several more thrusts and after about ten, the obstruction finally dislodged and came out and landed on the victim's tray on the table."
Van Praag said he stuck around for a while to ensure the victim was completely OK, and then simply went on his way, not really expecting any attention for his potentially life-saving action. However, as soon as word spread, he was quickly lauded as a hero. But Van Praag said he doesn't see it that way.
"I saw an individual in trouble and I just tried to help him out. I'm just glad that I was able to help," he said. "I don't feel like I did anything that anyone else wouldn't have done. I'm just glad that it worked."
In his reservist role, Van Praag serves as an aircraft maintenance officer in the 931st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. He credits his military training with equipping him to respond effectively to the situation.
"My military training has taught me to have an elevated level of situational awareness which helped me to quickly realize something was wrong," he said. "I learned the Heimlich maneuver in the Air Force basic CPR course, and I used those skills to help the victim. It all happened really fast, and the training I had received sort of took over. I really didn't even think while I was doing it."
Col. Donald C. Robison, 931st deputy commander for maintenance, said he wasn't surprised that Van Praag reacted to the situation in this manner.
"Since meeting Lt. Van Praag, I have been impressed with his situational awareness and decisiveness, something we look for in our company grade officers," said Robison. "His quick response is a testament to his character and leadership abilities."
"I always knew Craig was a hard worker, and I've called him a life-saver in the past," said Maj. Joseph Lett, operations officer for the 22nd FSS. "But this time he was literally saving someone's life. The way he reacted says a lot about him and the kind of person he is. He's just an outstanding individual."
Van Praag said he is surprised at the level of attention he's received for his potentially life-saving actions, and maintains that he was simply doing the right thing and being a good wingman.
"I saw a fellow airman in trouble and did what anyone else in my situation would have done," he said.
| Date Taken: | 10.03.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 10.04.2012 16:40 |
| Story ID: | 95726 |
| Location: | WICHITA, KANSAS, US |
| Web Views: | 67 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, McConnell reservist saves fellow airman, by Maj. Zachary Anderson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
