Youth Center duo honored for aiding accident victim

  • Published
  • By Richard Essary
  • 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Two employees with from the 75th Force Support Squadron Youth Center were recognized for rendering first aid to an injured man who was hit by a moving vehicle in a crosswalk last September.

Lisa Nowinski was returning to the Youth Center from a lunch break and Josh Gomez was leaving work when they came upon a man lying in the street at 6th Street and Liberty Way near the Youth Center. Both are certified in first aid and CPR.

With limited resources at her disposal, Nowinski improvised by grabbing a hoodie from her vehicle and applied pressure to the man’s head wound. At the same time, Gomez relayed the man’s condition to the 9-1-1 dispatcher and passed on additional first aid instructions until paramedics arrived.

In addition to his head wound, the man sustained other injuries and was transported to the hospital by ambulance. Nowinksi and Gomez learned later he was making a full recovery.

On Jan. 6, 75th Air Base Wing Commander Col. Jenise Carroll presented the Department of the Air Force Command Civilian Award for Valor to the two Youth Center employees for providing aid in a noteworthy manner during an emergency situation.

“I applaud the actions of Lisa and Josh for running into a situation to render first aid to a Wingman not even knowing what had happened,” Carroll said. “Their actions displayed both courage and leadership, and I’m grateful they’re part of our team.”

Both Nowinski and Gomez said they were relieved the man was recovering and thankful they were able to help him.

“I’m glad that he’s okay. It was the right place at the right time that we were there,” Nowinski said.