Photo Information

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Michael Delgado, a recruiter with Recruiting Substation Burbank, Recruiting Station Los Angeles, 12th Marine Corps District, stands outside his office in Burbank, California, Sept. 24, 2020. The week prior, Delgado performed first-aid to help save a woman’s life during a career fair at John Burroughs High School. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emily Kirk)

Photo by Sgt. Emily Kirk

U.S. Marine Provides Lifesaving Act at High School Career Fair

10 Mar 2020 | Sgt. Emily Kirk 10th Marine Regiment

LOS ANGELES – No medical emergency can be foreseen, but when amid a life-threatening situation, immediate action can be a vital element in saving a life. While at a career fair at John Burroughs High School, Marine Sergeant Michael Delgado’s quick thinking helped save a woman’s life as she tripped on the uneven floor and hit her throat on the edge of a nearby chair. Delgado was attending the career fair as a canvassing recruiter on February 20, 2020.

Delgado, a native of Oakland, California, serves at Recruiting Substation Burbank as part of Recruiting Station Los Angeles. He has been assigned to the substation for nine months with the task of finding the Marine Corps’ future force in readiness.

First to take action, Delgado immediately responded and started providing first aid as the women laid unresponsive.

“There was a man standing by her side just staring at her. I could tell everyone didn’t know what to do and were just kind of shocked,” said Delgado.

Whether it is on the battlefield or on the homefront, Marines at a minimum are equipped with basic first aid. Marine recruiters are further taught and certified in basic life support skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation through the American Heart Association.

“There were a lot of people surrounding her really not doing anything. Once I was told she hit her throat, I immediately thought we need to open up her airway.” The woman’s throat rapidly swelled making Delgado more concerned. “There’s a lot of cautionary things that go into a neck injury,” said Delgado. “I made sure her body was stable and to not do anything that could cause her more pain or make things worse.”

Delgado continued providing care and monitored the situation until a paramedic arrived.

“I kept talking to her and comforting her as she came to because I could tell she was scared and confused,” recalled Delgado. He felt that making sure she knew she was safe and getting help was one of the most important things he did.

“I’m thankful that I was able to help her because there were so many people and no one was doing anything,” said Delgado.

The woman received medical care and was taken to the hospital. Delgado said he was just happy he could help and that she received the care she needed. Delgado regularly visits local high schools and works to strengthen the relationship between Marines and the community.

On the same day another Marine Recruiter in Pomona, California, saved a man’s life in a parking lot by performing CPR. Both Marines are a part of the Marine Corps Recruiting Command under the 12th Marine Corps District.


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