Friday, May 25, 2012

Navy Corpsman Saves Drowning Victim at Corpus Christi Beach


By Bill W. Love, Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi Public Affairs

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (NNS) -- A Sailor assigned to Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi (NHCCC) was awarded a medal for saving a child's life during a family outing May 6.

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (FMF) Jesus A. Cordova, who thought two surfers were playing with their children coming out of the surf, realized that each of the two youngsters were lifeless.

"Once I noticed the children's situation and the anxiety on the surfers' faces, I rushed out and carried on as I've been trained without any thoughts but to resuscitate the child successfully," Cordova said.

Cordova continued cardiopulmonary resuscitation while simultaneously monitoring another adult's lifesaving efforts on the second child.

"It's a state of mind for EMTs, a course I am well-versed in as I have taught it throughout my career," he said.

Capt. Gina M. Jaeger, commanding officer at NHCCC, praised the El Paso, Texas Navy corpsman for his heroic achievement by presenting him the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

"HM1 Cordova you had a lot of self-trust that day," Jaeger said, refering to Ralph Waldo Emerson's quote about the essence of heroism. "It is a wonderful thing that you did, saving someone's life, and we really appreciate it. And you are just a fine example of the Sailors we have here at Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi, so again, thank you."

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