MANSFIELD, Ohio – Staff Sgts. Michael Mauldin and Joshua Prater, both assigned to fire protection at the 179th Airlift Wing, provided lifesaving aid to a victim of a motor vehicle accident Sept. 16.
Prater was driving to work when he saw a motorcycle that was hit by a truck.
"I saw a person laying in the middle of the road, so I blocked the road and began assessing the victim. They had injuries that required a tourniquet, so I took off my belt and used it as one and had a bystander call 911," said Prater.
As Prater was attempting to stabilize the victim, Mauldin arrived and immediately jumped in to help. He also took off his belt to stop more of the bleeding until paramedics and police arrived.
"While waiting, we continued treating for shock and stabilizing the individual," said Prater. "Once the Mansfield Police Department arrived, we were able to use their tourniquet to completely stop the bleeding."
Mauldin said Prater did an excellent job keeping the individual awake while waiting for paramedics. They were told later that their actions saved the victim's life.
Prater and Mauldin encouraged others to be aware of their surroundings, and if they find themselves in the same position and don't hear first responders' sirens, stop and check to make sure everyone involved is OK. It might just be the difference between life and death.
For their efforts, Prater and Mauldin were coined by Brig. Gen. James R. Camp, assistant adjutant general for Air, Ohio National Guard, on Sept. 27.