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When people think about Customs and Border Protection (CBP), what often comes to mind are inspections of travelers and cargo at our ports of entry. But CBP Officers are also trained in life-saving techniques, which two NTEU Chapter 123 (CBP Calexico) members put to work to save a fellow officer and NTEU member.
Summers along the California-Mexico border are blistering, and Aug. 4 was no different as temperatures reached 114 degrees. On this day, CBPOs Adriana Lopez-Zapien and Micheal Hedlund witnessed a fellow chapter member collapse onto the scorching asphalt in the mid-day sun and immediately sprang into action. The CBP Officers, and a National Guardsman who was also nearby, immediately began administering medical assistance including CPR. Because of the harsh conditions of the day, the officers used their own uniforms to provide protection and shade while others quickly brought over medical supplies. After minutes of administering CPR, the stricken officer began showing signs of life.
“From the time of incident until local emergency services arrived was about 30 minutes,” said Chapter 123 President Vincent A. Salgado, who recognized the heroic NTEU members in a ceremony last week. “For those 30 minutes, Chapter 123 members saved the life of another member. Had those involved not reacted quickly to provide his aid, it is apparent that officer would not be with us today.”
According to Salgado, the member who collapsed is recovering and expected to return to work soon.
NTEU proudly joins Chapter 123 in recognizing the heroic actions of Officers Lopez-Zapien and Hedlund.
(Left to right): National Guard ‘Thrasher’, Chapter 123 Vice President Hugo Lopez and Chapter President Vincent A. Salgado with CBP Officers Adriana Lopez-Zapien and Michael Hedlund