Airman Uses Training to Save a Life Published March 10, 2014 By Sr Airman Adam C. Borgman 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- A 388th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Airman, while out-processing and preparing to depart as a member of a Theater Security Package deployment, experienced what could freeze many into a moment of uncertainty and fear. Airman 1st Class Todd Krupa was being issued war readiness gear, when he noticed the Airman helping him was unresponsive behind the desk. "I have heard that sometimes people turn blue while choking, but I don't think anything in life could have prepared me for that," said Krupa. "I could see his eyes roll in the back of his head and knew something was wrong." Krupa, without hesitation, vaulted over the counter to the aid of his fellow Airman. "I noticed he was in a chair without side arms and knew he would fall over and potentially hit his head, so I leapt over the counter to prevent any head trauma from a fall." Krupa quickly and expertly began administering CPR at the same time directing nearby personnel to call an ambulance "When he stopped convulsing I noticed he wasn't breathing so I began self-aid buddy care, utilizing the techniques I am trained on annually," said Krupa. "After CPR he still wasn't breathing so I continued. After the second set of CPR he began to breathe once again." After performing CPR and reviving this wingman he had never met before that day, Krupa stayed by his side in support of keeping him calm and stable. Minutes later the paramedics arrived and took over while Krupa stood by ready to treat for symptoms of shock. "In the grand scheme of things I was just doing what I'm trained to do, and I hope anyone put in my position would have done the same thing," said Krupa. "This is a testament of the training today's Air Force has to offer," said Lt. Col. Michael Monfalcone, 388th EMS commander. "Airman Krupa is the prime example of text book results. Training comes down to more than who is instructing the course, the trainee must also be willing to absorb the information." Self-Aid and buddy care training is provided to every Airman staring in the very beginning of their career and is reinforced annually to ensure the force is ready to deploy. "Airman Krupa took the training that he was given, applied it to a situation, and when asked about it, he is quite modest of his heroic act," said Monfalcone. "By my definition Airman Krupa is a hero," To Krupa he didn't do anything heroic. Krupa is quick to credit his training to his instant reaction. "It was just instinctual, and I will remember that moment when he gasped that first breath for the rest of my life."