GLYNCO, GEORGIA- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs and Chief Medical Officer, Kathryn H. Brinsfield, visited the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) to award two instructors the DHS Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Life Saving Award.
Jay Leggett and Matthew Basenback, FLETC Physical Techniques Division instructors, received the award for saving a passenger during a flight to Shreveport, Louisiana. The men were on their way to deliver a training program to local law enforcement officers.
After noticing the passenger in front of him was unconscious, Leggett went to his aid, while summoning Basenback to assist. Leggett and Basenback directed the flight attendant to get the Automated External Defibrillator (AED), while they performed assessments on him. Leggett and Basenback stayed with the passenger and his wife, until the paramedics were able to evacuate him from the plane. The passenger was conscious and alert when removed by EMS.
Director Connie Patrick said, “These men rushed to aid a few airline passengers who needed urgent medical assistance, which embodies the nobility of the law enforcement profession...”
The DHS CMO Life Saving Award recognizes DHS personnel for life saving events where their direct action(s) resulted in a life being saved. The award is administered by the DHS Office of Health Affairs (OHA) and presented by the DHS Chief Medical Officer.
“The Life Saving Award was created to recognize the courageous efforts of the men and women of DHS, and I am pleased to present it to Jay and Matthew,” said Brinsfield. “They acted heroically and it is an honor to thank them in person.”
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