It was a typical Friday afternoon in February for Staff Sgt. Brandon Nickell, an intelligence analyst assigned to the 8th Intelligence Squadron, who had plans to leave work, head to the gym for a quick workout and eventually start his weekend of relaxation – there was however, a slight change of plans.
As he headed to the gym locker room, he spotted a familiar face. Chief Master Sgt. James Worrell, 56th Air Communications Squadron superintendent, who had been previously stationed with him at another duty location; Nickell stopped to say hello and catch up.
Within seconds of the conversation, Nickell noticed Worrell having difficulty speaking and appearing to be have some sort of physical reaction. In actuality, the chief was experiencing an allergic reaction, which was all too familiar for Nickell who just months earlier had assisted a friend in the same medical predicament.
While Worrell was initially reluctant to receive help, Nickell insisted and volunteered to drive him to the emergency room. By the time they reached the gym parking lot, Worrell’s throat had closed significantly, his breathing was labored and he could barely speak.
With his condition worsening, Nickell knew he had to take the fastest route to the nearest hospital and get the chief medical attention.
According to the emergency room physician, Worrell’s state upon arrival was at a critical point and escalating rapidly. The medical staff worked quickly to stabilize and save Worrell’s life.
Later, once his condition had improved and while still hooked up to medical monitoring equipment, Worrell coined Nickell from his hospital bed. The coin is engraved with the phrase ‘Presented for being Fantabolistico!’ and ‘Be the Leader you would want to follow.’
When asked how he felt about his life-saving actions, Nickell said he believe he responded in the way anyone else would have.
“I saw someone in need, and I took action,” he said.
The chief, however, made sure Nickell’s humble words echoed loudly, spreading the news of his actions to leadership and reiterating his gratitude.
“I would not be here today if not for him,”Worrell said. “Brandon saved my life, and for that I will always be grateful.”
| Date Taken: | 03.06.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 12.31.2019 14:48 |
| Story ID: | 357980 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 18 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Airman’s quick response saves life, by TSgt Eboni Reece, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
