CAP Cadets Aid Pedestrian Struck by Car   

 

RENO, NV --  Civil Air Patrol Cadets were conducting there usual drills outside of the National Guard headquarters on Plumb Lane, when the unthinkable occurred. While bystanders looked on, Reno Composite Squadron Cadets began immediate emergency aid, to a woman who had been struck by a vehicle just west of Kietzke Lane.

 

The Cadets and there adult cadet commander witnessed the accident at about 7 pm. August 16. While Cadets Master Sergeant David Ackerson (15), Sergeant Benjamin Matua (15), and Reno Cadet Assistant Commander, Lieutenant Berdan began directing traffic and crowd control around the scene. Cadet Commander, Cadet Lieutenant Shane Ackerson (17) and Senior Member Elsnor contacted 911 and began aid to the woman.

  

According to Cadet Lieutenant Ackerson, the woman was unconscious and was having trouble breathing. Both he and Senior Member Elsnor, (who is a fully qualified Red Cross instructor) began treating for shock. Permission was then given by 911 to apply a ‘Jaw Thrust’ which is designed to help clear the airway with minimal movement of the neck. All of those involved remained at their posts and continued their duties until Reno Police, Fire, and REMSA arrived to relieve them. The woman, according to law enforcement, had visible traumatic injuries to the lower body and was transported to Washoe Medical Center Trauma unit in critical condition. Cadet Lt. Ackerson said” I heard Lt. Berdan call ‘Medic’ and I just ran and grabbed my first aid bag.” Cadet Lt. Ackerson is also Red Cross trained through the Civil Air Patrol.

 

Civil Air Patrol Members also began to console and arrange relief for family members, who were attending services at The Little Flower Church, and came out of the church to witness the aftermath.

 

As cadets returned to the meeting area after being released by Reno Police,  Reno Composite Squadron Commander; Major Shyle Irigoin, was very clear and concise when he told his Cadets,” In my fifteen years in Civil Air Patrol, I have never been so proud to be a member.”  

 

As with any mission, Civil Air Patrol Cadets gathered for a ‘debrief’. The Cadets were concerned for the welfare of the woman and her family. They were also shaken by what they had seen.

 

The Nevada Wing of the Civil Air Patrol would like to extend our best wishes to the woman and her family. We hope for her full recovery quickly. 

 

We also would like to share our pride in the knowledge that the character of a person is best seen when crisis stares them in the face. Without embellishment, these Cadets and their fellow cadet corps members are people of character.