Members of the United States military are commonly credited for protecting our nation abroad, but this off-duty warrior sprung into action and saved a man’s life during a domestic passenger flight on Thanksgiving Day.
Master Sergeant Daniel Conley, a senior Aerospace Medical Technician from the 105th Medical Group at the Stewart Air National Guard Base, was at the right place at the right time on Thursday.
Conley was aboard Delta flight 1253 from Albany, NY to Atlanta, GA when a passenger with a stroke history lost consciousness. A Delta flight attendant called over the intercom asking for any trained medical providers to help.
Conley, a resident of Slingerlands, NY, sprung out of his seat and leapt into action as he was trained to do on the job. He rushed to the rear of the plane to find an unconscious passenger with attendants and fellow passengers huddled around.
“I heard the call go out over the speakers for anyone with medical experience and I thought, well, that’s me then,” Conley told Technical Sergeant Daniel Hotter of the 105th Airlift Wing Public Affairs. “I wasn’t nervous at first, more curious to see how I could help. I went back and found the scene was pretty hectic, there were a few nurses, but nobody seemed to be organizing a response.”
The aircraft was at a high altitude and Conley began working in a small area with limited medical resources.
“I looked at the guy and he looked pretty bad. Pale and sweaty,” Conley added. “He was alert and oriented but unfocused, so we got an abbreviated history from his wife. Turns out he had a history of stroke and had not taken his medication that morning. With that we ramped up the response.”
Conley obtained an emergency medical kit from the aircraft and completed a full medical assessment. Due to limited resources, there was no glucometer available, which prevented Conley from determining the patient’s blood sugar level.
“We gave him some juice and aspirin anyway,” Conley continued. “During this phase his color came back, and his mentation improved. We put him on oxygen and redid his vitals. Everything looked good. So, we rechecked vitals the rest of the way to Atlanta.”
Conley is a member of FEMA’s Homeland Response Force. He is trained in all-hazards medical responses to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear events.
Colonel Philip O. Forlenza, Commander of the 105th Medical Group, declared, “Master Sergeant Conley’s actions are a reminder to us all that the skills we learn as members of the Air National Guard are valuable to our families and the community both in and out of uniform.”
Conley remained humble after reviving the patient who was taking a turn for the worse. “I was only in a position to help because of my U.S. Air Force training, both in evaluating him as a patient and in leading a coordinated response,” he said. “We say readiness is the key, and it’s difficult to stay ready day in and day out without ever being called to utilize the readied skillset. That day the readiness paid off. I got the call and was able to perform.”
