While preparing to tow an aircraft from our DFW Maintenance hangar to the line, Envoy Aircraft Mechanic Fernando De La Rosa noticed his colleague collapse and fall to the floor. Without hesitation, Fernando ran to the supervisor’s office to request paramedics and asked a colleague to get the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) unit from the wall before returning to provide first aid.

“Mark was in a bad way; he didn’t hit his head but was convulsing on the floor and there was only moments to help. I have some first aid training, spotted the symptoms and knew that we needed an AED quick,” said Fernando. “It was like the movies when they say ‘clear!’ and he jumped! – We followed instructions until I was able to hand over to a DFW firefighter and other paramedics.”

Thanks to Fernando’s quick thinking when faced with an unexpected emergency, he was able to save his colleague’s life. To recognize this achievement, earlier this week, Envoy DFW Maintenance Base Manager Ernie Jackson presented Fernando with a Real American Hero award, which comes with a $1,000 cash prize and a very special hero cape.

“It felt like forever but all this happened in less than five minutes,” adds Fernando. “I’m glad that I was able to difference and that Mark is on the mend.”

Way to be awesome, Fernando!