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McConnell Reservist renders aid to accident victim

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Brannen Parrish
  • 931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Self-Aid and Buddy Care Training proved invaluable for one member of the 931st Air Refueling Group here.

Lieutenant Col. Travis Clark, a pilot with the 18th Air Refueling Squadron, was driving to work when he came upon an auto accident April 4.

"I stopped because I saw two vehicles and no ambulance," said Clark. "I got out of my car and sized up the scene. When I saw a guy lying on the road in the middle of the intersection, I realized we were dealing with a serious situation."

Clark stopped his vehicle and immediately called 911 to report the accident to the dispatcher. After he hung up he noticed the accident victim had exited his vehicle and walked into the intersection before collapsing and lying in the street. A group of citizens were gathering around the man in the intersection, attempting to help. Clark jumped out of his own vehicle and rushed over.

The victim was conscious, but was bleeding from a gash to the crown of his head and was extremely disoriented, said Clark.

It was at that point Clark said his military training kicked in.

"We get first aid training in the Air Force, so I asked if anyone had a blanket to prevent him from going into shock, and one of the people on the scene brought one over," Clark said.

A citizen from a nearby convenience store provided paper towels to help apply direct pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding.

"From there we just stayed with the guy and tried to keep him calm until the first responders arrived," said Clark. "When you roll up on an accident, that buddy care training definitely comes into play. Self Aid and Buddy Care is valuable training and knowledge."

Clark said he didn't feel he had done anything special.

"It's really just a natural reaction," said Clark. "When you see someone hurt, you want to help. I'm just thankful that I had the Air Force training and was able to assist the victim until the ambulance arrived to take care of him."

Col. Mark S. Larson, commander of the 931st Air Refueling Group, said he was very proud of Clark's actions during the incident.

"Lt. Col. Clark's willingness and ability to respond to this type of incident is a testament both to him as an individual as well as to the training and professionalism of our reservists," said Larson.