Creech Airmen utilize lifesaving skills in major vehicle accident

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Kevin Milgram
  • 432nd Wing Public Affairs
CREECH AFB, Nev. (ACCNS) --  Two Senior Airmen from the 42nd Attack Squadron rendered aid to an injured motorist on Route 95 after witnessing a major vehicle accident. 

Senior Airman James Conlon, an imagery analyst, and Senior Airman Gregory Rouleau, a sensor operator, observed a vehicle rollover on their routine commute home from Creech AFB on Jun 24. Their quick reaction in administering U.S. Air Force Self Aid/Buddy Care procedures was instrumental in limiting the victim's sustained injuries in the car crash. 

According to the Airmen, a small pick-up truck popped its left rear tire while changing lanes and began to fishtail. The truck rolled twice and came to a rest upside-down next to the southbound lanes of Route 95 near the Paiute Bridge. The driver, a 33-year-old Las Vegas resident and Creech contractor, crawled out the window of his inverted truck and was met by Airman Conlon and Airman Rouleau. 

"I pulled my car over and told him [Airman Conlon] to dial 911," said Airman Rouleau. "I turned on the emergency lights and ran to the trunk where I keep a first aid kit. I built myself a first-aid kit that had everything I'd ever need. This is the same first aid kit that everyone made fun of me for carrying around during FTU." 

Airman Conlon and Airman Rouleau provided first-aid in accordance with the self aid/buddy care checklist. They discovered lacerations on the victim's face, including a large cut below his eye, and recognized some symptoms of shock. The Airmen cautiously applied dressing and bandages to the individual's eye and attempted to keep the victim still. After about 30 minutes, first responders arrived on-scene to transport the victim. 

The Airmen credit their Air Force training along with past experiences with preparing them for this moment. 

"Pay attention to your self-aid/buddy care ... you never know when you're going to use it," said Airman Conlon. 

42nd Attack Squadron leadership expressed that the two Airmen embodied Air Force core values in their successful utilization of military training. 

"Senior Airman Rouleau and Senior Airman Conlon's actions were a prime example of being prepared and remaining calm when the situation needed it most," said Master Sgt. Rochelle Ottman, 42nd ATKS first sergeant. "Their courage to take action and aid a member of the local community during a crisis situation only furthers my belief that they are both outstanding Airmen." 

Airman Conlon and Airman Rouleau's superior performance in a stressful situation has earned them a commander's coin from Colonel Pete Gersten, 432d Wing Commander. 

"In the heat of it, I think we performed pretty well. It was definitely a great feeling to use my training to help a member of our local community," Airman Rouleau said.