LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas  –   When a civilian collapsed from cardiac arrest at a busy Air Force dining facility, it wasn’t just a medical emergency — it was a moment that showcased the life-saving power and purpose of military health professionals.

In early March, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Austin Lawhon, a 59th Medical Wing paramedic at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, led an emergency response that defied the odds. Lawhon and Senior Airman James Henry, 59th Medical Wing aerospace medical services technician and paramedic, responded to a 911 call at a Basic Military Training dining facility where they found first responders performing CPR on the collapsed civilian.

Recognizing a rare and deadly cardiac rhythm disturbance, Lawhon led coordination with fire and medical personnel, established an airway, administered critical medications, and stabilized the patient for transport to a nearby cardiac treatment facility. Despite a survival rate of just 9.1% for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest events, the patient regained a heartbeat and demonstrated signs of healthy brain activity – critical elements for recovery. 

While CPR was initiated by fire department first responders, the event also serves as a powerful reminder that early intervention – often by bystanders – can be the first and most critical step in saving a life.

"The earlier CPR is initiated in a cardiac arrest, the better the survival rate," explained Staff Sgt. JaCoy Erickson, 59th Medical Wing EMS (Emergency Medical Services) section chief. "The more people who are trained in Basic Life Support or CPR, the higher the pre-hospital survival rate, and one of the most important contributing factors is early use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) — so familiarity with its location and how to use it is very important.”

That chain of survival — from rapid AED deployment to the arrival of trained medics — plays a critical role in a patient's outcome, highlighting how every link, from public readiness to professional response, can make the difference between life and death.

“This was more than just a save — it was a reminder of what trained military medics are capable of every day,” said Erickson.

Both Lawhon and Henry were recognized with EMS Field Save Pins, a symbolic honor celebrating the rarity and significance of a successful out-of-hospital save and the heroism, training, and teamwork involved in saving a life. 

“On that day in March, a patient died on the floor,” said Bruce Hale, 59th Medical Wing paramedic. “Despite tremendous odds against him, Sergeant Lawhon led his team to restore life to that patient. He’s the embodiment of what is achievable with a good attitude and hard work after a few years in the Air Force.” 

Lawhon’s journey from his home state of Arkansas to front-line medic at Joint Base San Antonio illustrates the opportunities available in military medicine. After gaining early clinical experience and completing Paramedic School through the Air Force, he quickly rose through the ranks, driven by a passion for helping others during moments of crisis.

Military medics don’t just serve on deployments. They’re saving lives at home, in communities, and on bases across the country. With access to advanced training, state-of-the-art technology, and meaningful work, careers in military health professions offer purpose, growth, and the chance to make a real difference.

Interested in becoming a combat medic, paramedic, nurse, or other health professional in the military? Visit www.airforce.com/healthcare or speak with your local recruiter to learn how you can join a team that’s saving lives and shaping futures every day.