By Pacific Missile Range Facility Public Affairs
Ensign Billy Newell, installation security officer for the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), is set to receive a lifesaving award for saving a fellow military member when the Hawaii State Chapter of the American Red Cross honors their Heroes of the Year.
The awards will be presented Oct. 13 during a Red Cross Heroes Breakfast at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa.
During a PMRF dining out event March 16, a military member began to choke on a piece of steak. Newell instructed bystanders to call 911 and began administering the Heimlich maneuver to clear the obstruction.
When that failed, the victim began to lose consciousness; Newell then laid the victim on the floor and began CPR. After four sets of CPR, Newell attempted abdominal thrusts and cleared the obstruction.
The victim gasped and regained consciousness and was placed in the recovery position until Kauai Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services arrived to assist. The victim made a full recovery and was back to work the next week.
For more information on the Red Cross, visit the website www.hawaiiredcross.org or call 739-8109.