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Saving a Life

Employees at America’s Friendliest Airport® go above and beyond in helping travelers, but sometimes, fellow employees are also in need of assistance. For Ace Parking Cashier Helen O’Dell, the early morning of August 30 would prove to be a day she won’t forget. At approximately 1 a.m., she noticed an employee at the Terminal 3 garage exit. The man was having difficulty staying awake and was behaving out of the ordinary. Helen phoned her supervisor Adrian Hernandez. Adrian reported to the scene to speak with the employee. He said he was OK to drive, but after observation, Adrian phoned Airport Operations staff to notify the Airport Police.

Airport Police arrived on-site, and it was determined that the man might be suffering from a medical condition. Paramedics were immediately called, and they recognized that the man was very close to a diabetic coma. Glucose was administered and the team stayed with him to ensure he was OK. Later, he was brought to Paradise Bakery in Terminal 3 for something to eat before being allowed to head home.

“It was very astute of them to recognize a problem,” said Ace Parking Manager David Hellan. “They did a very good job.”

Paramedics agreed and commended Helen and Adrian for their quick observations. Had the employee not received the help, he might have gone into a coma on the way home. The employee was also very grateful to Helen and Adrian and thanked them.

Thanks to the outstanding efforts of Helen and Adrian, the man is OK today. Helen and Adrian truly went above-and-beyond in their service to others and will be recognized with a “FLY” or “Friendly Let me help You” award from Sky Harbor.

Published: September 6, 2012