Tennessee National Guardsman revives pedestrian with CPR

Tennessee National Guardsman revives pedestrian with CPR

By Lt. Col. Darrin Haas, Tennessee National Guard Public Affairs Office September 27, 2021

LAREDO, Texas – On Sept. 20, Tennessee Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Christopher Hurley rushed to resuscitate a person on the Gateway to the Americas port of entry bridge.

While conducting administrative support at the port of entry, Hurley overheard a radio call about a person collapsing and requiring assistance. A trained Army medic and civilian paramedic, Hurley sprang into action.

When Hurley arrived at the scene, Customs and Border Protection officers told him the person was not breathing and did not have a pulse. Hurley made a quick assessment and began CPR while CBP personnel called Emergency Medical Services.

Thanks to Hurley's efforts, the person regained consciousness and was responsive when EMS arrived to transport him to a nearby hospital.

Hurley had performed CPR many times as a medic and paramedic, but this was the first time he interacted with his patient after resuscitation. Hurley thanked CBP officers for their support and commended their quick actions.

"Staff Sgt. Hurley's willingness to step up in a time of need exemplifies the ideals of what it is to be a Soldier," said Army National Guard Capt. Billy Blackwell, Hurley's company commander.

Hurley is deployed on Title 10 active-duty orders in support of the Department of Defense's Southwest Border support mission to the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.