CALEXICO, California — A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employee assigned to the Calexico West Port of Entry rendered medical assistance to an unresponsive female motorist involved in a vehicle accident.
On Thursday, June 3rd at approximately 6:00 p.m., on-duty CBP Supervisor Nunez noticed two vehicles had been involved in an accident as he was traveling eastbound in a government vehicle on Interstate 8 (I-8) freeway near Alpine, California.
Supervisor Nunez was the first law enforcement official on-scene, he immediately assessed the accident noticing one of the vehicles was on fire and a person was laying on the ground. Supervisor Nunez utilized a fire extinguisher from his vehicle to put out the flames coming from the burning vehicle’s engine compartment and undercarriage areas.
9-1-1 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) was contacted, while waiting an off-duty Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) responded to the scene to help render aid. The EMT assisted Supervisor Nunez by performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) on an unconscious female that was laying on the ground next to the second vehicle.
“This is truly an outstanding demonstration of the humanitarian side of our job. An officer’s ability to maintain a level of composure, and act quickly to perform emergency medical action saved a life,” said Pete Flores, CBP Director of Field Operations in San Diego. “Being prepared and having officers equipped with basic skills allow them to respond and provide assistance in emergency incidents.”
Emergency Medical Services (EMS), California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers, San Diego Sheriff’s Office (SDSO) Sheriff Deputies, and Alpine Fire Department personnel responded to the scene. Responding agencies took over care of both individuals involved in the accident, vehicle traffic control, and the damaged vehicles.