Honoring Airport Heroes

December 15, 2022

On an early Wednesday morning on March 16, 2022, three emergency vehicles were dispatched to the Long Beach Airport: Engine 19, Crash 1 and Rescue 18. A man had fallen to the ground and had a head injury.

When they all arrived on the scene, they found a man in his 60s injured with a 3-inch cut on his head, right above his left eye and three extraordinary humanitarians hard at work to keep the man alive.

Three incredible heroes', Monique Champagne, Shayla Jackson and Hunter Collins, were able to keep Alton Corotan stable while emergency services arrived.

Shayla Jackson and Hunter Collins had woken up early that day to catch their flights. They went through security and walked to their gates, where they were awaiting the boarding call. That’s when they noticed Alton fall. Without hesitation, they rushed to help him and found him in cardiac arrest.

Monique Champagne, a Southwest Airlines employee, also saw the commotion and quickly grabbed the defibrillator and applied electric shocks to his chest. As the machine charged, Hunter and Shayla continued to apply resuscitative measures, coaching one another through the process. Together the three performed CPR and shocked the patient with the defibrillator twice.

By the time the emergency vehicles arrived the man was breathing on his own. He was transported to the hospital and had a good set of vitals and consciousness.

Thanks to the quick actions of Monique, Shayla and Hunter, Alton’s life was saved.

Sudden cardiac arrest is among the leading causes of death in the United States. In fact, more than 350,000 people will suffer a cardiac arrest this year. Currently, the only way to restore a regular heart rhythm during cardiac arrest is to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

Because the average response time for first responders once 911 is called is 8-12 minutes, and for each minute defibrillation is delayed, the odds of survival are reduced by approximately 10%. Having access to an AED and knowing how to use one is critical.

Learn how to use an AED by becoming certified in Red Cross’ CPR/AED program. You can choose to learn in-person, online or a blended approach. Each one is designed to make learning easy and suitable to your schedule. Signup today at redcross.org/training

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For 18 years we have honored Hometown Heroes in our community who have stepped up when there was a need and a call for help. Do you know someone like that? A local hero, someone who provided first-aid, saved a drowning person or even helped someone a burning car?

Nominate them for our 18th annual Hometown Hero Award!

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/LA or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossLA.