JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
An Airman from the 59th Medical Wing performed lifesaving intervention on a choking toddler at a local restaurant in San Antonio March 30.
Airman 1st Class Tobias Titus, an aerospace medical technician in training, and his wife were having dinner when he noticed a mother and grandmother at an adjacent table attempting to dislodge a piece of food from a toddler’s airway.
After hearing the mother say the child was not breathing and noticing the toddler beginning to turn blue, Titus quickly positioned himself to perform the Heimlich maneuver.
“I trusted my training,” Titus said. “I saw someone who was in need of help and responded accordingly. I received great training from an exceptional team of instructors who taught us the skills we would need to save a live if such a situation should occur.”
After delivering the first back blow, Titus saw a piece of food expel from the toddlers’ mouth and the child began to cry.
“It didn't surprise me that Titus was the Airman who stepped up when duty called,” said Tech. Sgt. Asia West, Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice Phase II course supervisor. “The best learning experiences come when you least expect it, and in this case, Airman Titus is a prime example of always being vigilant.”
Titus was recognized for his swift actions by Maj. Gen. John J. DeGoes, 59th MDW commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Chuck Frizzell, 59th MDW command chief May 22.
He is set to graduate from AMSA Phase II training in June and will be stationed at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, as a certified Air Force medic.