Five 921st CRS Airmen rescue couple after car accident

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Scott Warner
  • 621st Contingency Response Wing
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  

On a low visibility night, Staff Sgt. Quilin Kirkpatrick and his team pull up to a “T” intersection behind a Subaru Outlander. The driver of the Subaru Outlander takes a right-handed turn too sharply and drives accidentally four-to-five feet into a drainage ditch, flipping his vehicle over.

Senior Airman Ceyda Ezell, who is the driver notices the accident, and quickly informs Kirkpatrick. Outside of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey are rural, scarcely-populated towns. Everyone knows they need to help. Ezell turns on their hazard lights, and pulls safely over while Kirkpatrick and the others rapidly respond to the situation.

“When I saw the accident, my initial thoughts were immediately about the wellbeing of the occupants,” Kirkpatrick said. “I was concerned if they were injured and I was worried after calling 9-1-1 if emergency paramedics and local law enforcement would make it there in-time.”

One of the Airman calls North Hanover Police Department, another watches the road for incoming/outgoing traffic to possibly re-direct traffic while Kirkpatrick and the others attend the two passengers in the flipped over vehicle. 

Inside the Subaru Outlander, there were two occupants. For the sake of their privacy, their names  John and Jane Doe. John was approximately in his mid 70s. Jane was approximately in her late 60s.

“It feels good to help people, and I am glad that there were not any severe injuries from first glance,” Kirkpatrick said. “I am also glad it didn’t escalate into anything worse since we were there.”

After John and Jane were recovered from the flipped over Outlander, Kirkpatrick’s team immediately put their recent tactical combat casualty care training into good use.

They were no indications of massive bleeding, airways were not restricted or blocked, no visible signs of any respiratory issues, circulation concerns, or hypothermia. What was apparent was both individuals had some minor bruising and both were more shaken up and distraught from being in accident than anything else.

“We all felt obligated to help, not because we are in the military, but because that is what any decent and caring person would feel compelled to do,” Kirkpatrick said. “It felt more like a natural reaction than anything else.”

Approximately 15 minutes after the accident happened, emergency paramedics and local law enforcement arrived on the scene. That was when Kirkpatrick and his team stepped back and handed over the situation.

“We were shocked it happened right in front of us, but most importantly, we were just concerned with the passengers safety and well being,” Kirkpatrick stated. “I think anyone would want to be reassured by someone professionally and medically trained that they are going to be alright after experiencing a car accident where their car flips over.”

According to Kirkpatrick, after local law enforcement took over the scene of the accident, they were the first ones to thank Kirkpatrick and his team for assisting the elderly couple.

“These Airmen didn't just respond as military personnel; they acted with compassion and kindness, putting the well-being of others first. It makes me immensely proud to lead Airmen with such character and heart,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Strength, 921st CRS commander.