'I needed to do something' | TSA officers help save pilot's life at Richmond International Airport

RICHMOND, Va. — Two Transportation Security Administration officers intervened to help save the life of a pilot who had a medical emergency at the Richmond International Airport.

Officer Nigel Allen and Lead Officer Trenard Collier were in the middle of their duties at the airport on April 10 when they noticed a pilot suddenly collapse from a cardiac arrest, a TSA spokesperson said.

“Trenard saw the pilot on the other side of the atrium,” Allen recalled, “and told me, ‘I think that guy is about to pass out.’ I looked over just as the pilot fell to the floor.”

The pilot approached a railing, staggered, and toppled over his roller bags before losing consciousness, according to a statement issued by the TSA on Monday. That's when Allen jumped into action, he sprinted to the pilot's side, called for help, and began performing first aid.

Police and firefighters arrived and performed CPR, while Allen continued to assist the pilot and first responders. Despite their efforts to resuscitate the pilot, the emergency escalated when the pilot's heart stopped beating, and required extended medical intervention, according to the TSA.

Allen raced down the hall to retrieve an automated external defibrillator. With Allen's swift action, emergency responders were able to use the machine to restart the pilot's heart and help revive him. 

Once the pilot was revived, Allen and Collier cleared the area to give police and fire responders room to further attend to the pilot. 

As emergency responders continued treatment, Allen retrieved the pilot's luggage and quickly carried it to the TSA checkpoint. 

There, he screened the pilot's luggage to ensure the pilot was not a Federal Flight Deck Officer, a designation for pilots and enforcement officers to defend the flight deck against potential acts of criminal violence and authorized to carry firearms

TSA Federal Security Director Chuck Burke applauded Allen for his decisive efforts. 

“(Officer) Allen’s actions displayed conspicuous initiative, capability, and above and beyond service to the community he serves,” said Burke. “His actions clearly contributed to saving the pilot’s life. The RIC Airport Police Department and stakeholders at RIC commended (Officer) Allen for his quick response in being the first to administer initial first aid.”

The pilot is recovering, and his family has expressed their deepest appreciation for Allen's help and all involved.

Allen has served TSA in Richmond for four years. He is pursuing his degree in information systems at Virginia Commonwealth University.