JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- An Airman performed lifesaving intervention on a choking toddler at a local restaurant on March 30 in San Antonio, Texas.
Airman First Class Tobias Titus, an aerospace medical technician in training at the 59th Medical Wing, 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,” said Titus. “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 on May 22.
He is set to graduate from AMSA Phase II training in June and will be stationed at Hill AFB, Utah as a certified Air Force medic.