Chief Petty Officer Improvises, Helps Critically Injured Accident Victim

From Naval Sea Systems Command Office of Corporate Communications

BATH, Maine (NNS) -- A chief assigned to Pre-Commissioning Unit Michael Murphy (DDG 112) helped treat a critically injured motorist March 19, in Bath, Maine.

Chief petty officers are trained to adapt and overcome circumstances to meet the Navy's mission and that is exactly what Chief Fire Controlman John Friend did after witnessing an accident. Friend was driving home from duty aboard the ship when he saw a large cloud of smoke in the oncoming lanes of traffic. Realizing it was a two-car accident, he stopped to assist.

Lt. Jason Morgan, also assigned to PCU Michael Murphy, stopped to assist as well, and while Morgan called 911 and began directing traffic around the accident, Friend offered what medical aid he could to the accident victims.

The driver of the most damaged vehicle was having severe difficulty breathing. Friend quickly improvised and placed a windshield wiper from the vehicle into his airway, allowing blood from internal injuries to escape and steadying his breathing. He then provided first aid to the injured passenger, watching both victims closely until paramedics arrived.

"When I talked with the Bath Police Department chief the following morning, it was highlighted how important FCC Friend's initial actions were in stabilizing the injured motorists and possibly saving the life of the driver," said Cmdr. Tom Shultz, PCU Michael Murphy's prospective commanding officer. "His actions just go to show you what kind of person and Sailor FCC Friend is."