Reservist helps save life
By Tech. Sgt. Emily Alley, 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
/ Published December 14, 2015
WHITEMAN AFB, Mo. --
Senior Airman Nick Heter, a 303rd Fighter Squadron traditional reservist, is also student at Kansas State University majoring in pre-med. His two careers came together recently when he helped save a life.
"I was leaving the game," Heter recalled. "Out of the corner of my eye I saw someone fall straight back and hit his head."
Heter was quick to respond, which he credits to his military training.
"I was there with a friend who was also pre-med, but he didn't know what to do," said Heter. "He didn't have the military training."
Heter tried to talk to the man who had fallen, but he was unresponsive. His eyes were open and at first he was breathing- until he started gasping. Then, the man stopped breathing entirely. He had no pulse. His heart had stopped.
Heter used CPR until medics arrived to resuscitate the man. To the best of Heter's knowledge, he's still alive.
Heter's military supervisor, Col. Philip Sweet, the 303d Fighter Squadron flight doctor, commended Heter and suggested the experience will help him in his applications to medical schools after he graduates in May. Schools will want to know that he can work under pressure.
"That experience sets you apart from the other pre-meds," Sweet told Heter.
"Once I get in we'll see what options are open," Heter said, explaining he will have about six years of medical school. He joked, "Maybe Doc Sweet will be ready to leave by then." |