Luke Airman saves lives after accident

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jason Colbert
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Air Force Airmen are taught live-saving techniques to use on themselves and others on the battle field. Many never think they'll have to use them outside of combat, but one NCO had to do just that.

Staff Sgt. Randy Williamson, 56th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aircraft electrical and environmental craftsman, acted with without delay Oct. 11, 2013, when he was first on the scene at a severe multiple-vehicle accident. He surveyed the scene, identifying one victim and, without hesitation, raced to pull her from a vehicle, extracting her from harm's way.

Williamson will be presented with the Noncommissioned Officers Association Vanguard Award during the association's national convention in July in Las Vegas. His supervision has also recommended him for the Air Force Commendation Medal for heroism.

"Of the cars involved, hers had the most damage," he said. "The door was busted in, and the driver's side wouldn't open. She was screaming and bloody, not trying to get out," Williamson said. "I ran to the other side, grabbed her and pulled her out."

At that point, he noticed that her vehicle was beginning to burn. Williamson then rushed across the street to a tire shop to get a fire extinguisher. He battled the blaze and prevented the spread of gas.

But the job wasn't done. Williamson spotted a second injured person with substantial bleeding. He quickly called upon his military training administering first-aid to control bleeding and treated the person for shock, likely saving the person's life, according to the citation accompanying the award he received.

"He was in shock, still trying to go to work," Williamson said. "We put him on the ground, backed everyone away, elevated him so as to not aggravate any back injury he may have sustained, elevated his legs since he said they hurt and waited for first responders."

Lt. Col. Jason Mitchell, 56th AMXS commander, is understandably proud of his Airman.

"As military members we are afforded training opportunities that the civilian population does not always receive. I encourage all 56th AMXS members to assist others on or off base in time of need," Mitchell said. "It is an honor and privilege to lead Airmen such as Staff Sgt. Williamson. I am proud of his heroism and initiative in responding to the accident."