WADS staff sergeant aids injured commissary patron Published Oct. 5, 2009 By Senior Airman Kirsten Wicker 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- A Western Air Defense Sector staff sergeant quickly responded to the needs of an elderly commissary shopper when she fell in the parking lot and hit her head Aug. 31. Staff Sgt. Angelina Christianson, witnessed the woman fall and leapt into action. "I responded to an elderly woman who had fallen in the parking lot backwards, hitting her head," said Sergeant Christianson. "I acted quickly to a situation that needed an immediate response." The woman was in and out of consciousness, able to recall her name, but nothing else, Sergeant Christianson said. According to Deborah Anderson, a commissary cash office cashier, there were bystanders at the scene, but no one had dialed 911. She dialed it herself and paramedics from the base fire department were soon on the way. "Sergeant Christianson and the medics from the fire department did a great job," said Ms. Anderson. "Sergeant Christianson kept her awake and responsive until medics could arrive, then they took over and cared for her very quickly." Sergeant Christianson's previous training as a self-aid and buddy care instructor reminded her what to do to help and stay calm. "I told her she needed to stay still and try not to move," Sergeant Christianson said. "I did a quick head to toe assessment looking for visible bleeding or any areas that may require immediate attention but could only see a large hematoma on the back of her head." The bump on her head was a warning sign to Sergeant Christianson that there may be a skull fracture, swelling, pressure build-up or spinal injury. "I held her head in alignment with her body to prevent further injury while we waited for medical care to arrive," she said. Sergeant Christianson stayed with the woman until help arrived on the scene to relieve her. "Sergeant Christianson's actions on that day were a testament of the training she has received over the years being in the Air Force," said Master Sgt. Allan Lawson, WADS first sergeant. "Her expertise being a S-A-B-C instructor and calm demeanor allowed her to assist the elderly woman in a dire time of need." The woman was taken to Madigan Army Medical Center and treated for her injuries. She is expected to make a full recovery. "She leads by example as a true 'Citizen Airman', so it's very refreshing to see Airmen like Sergeant Christianson continuing to save lives on and off the field," Sergeant Lawson said. "I'm extremely proud of her."