Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 Detachment Echo participated in a GoRuck fitness challenge course July 16, where they acted quickly and decisively to aid in a medical emergency.

In their limited free time, 10 Seabees of NMCB 11 decided to participate in a GoRuck fitness challenge in Mobile, Alabama. A GoRuck course involves hiking with weights over a 6-8 mile course, while performing competitive physical exercises with a focus on team building and leadership. The Seabees are committed to challenging and bettering themselves.

Two hours into the GoRuck event, Construction Mechanic 2nd Class Stacie De Vries witnessed a 59-year old male collapse while doing bear crawls. She quickly rushed to his side, along with two other GoRuck participants to assess the victim. Upon reaching the patient, she quickly determined the patient was not breathing and was suffering cardiac arrest. Within 10 seconds of the patient collapsing she began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and with the aid of the two others as a team, continued to perform CPR on the patient.

A 911 call was made for an ambulance and the team continued to continually assess the patient and constantly communicate between them to effectively provide aid. Builder 2nd Class Patrick Udell monitored the man's vital signs, and the team quickly identified the need for an automated external defibrillator (AED). Utilitiesman 3rd Class Kory Field volunteered to run to the nearest building to locate one.

Although the patient showed no signs of pulse or respiration, they provided emergency CPR to the victim for 15 minutes until paramedics from the City of Mobile Fire Department arrived. Due to the quick response, and the efforts of everyone rendering nonstop continuous aid the man was successfully resuscitated in the hospital.

"They were calm, no one panicked and jumped right into action; they truly embodied the Seabee spirit," said Lt. j.g. John Salguero.

Many of the Seabees rendering emergency care have never been in a situation similar to this, yet they were able to work together as a team to save a man's life.

"I was amazed at their quickness to action and resilience," expressed Lt. Danika Globokar. "I am proud of everything they did."

Though the Seabees showed both mental and physical tenacity, the man passed away three days later, surrounded by his family.

"I am comforted that our actions were able to keep him alive for his family and friends to say goodbye," said De Vries.

The Seabees who participated in the GoRuck fitness challenge course have seemingly experienced a rollercoaster of emotions.

"[Our] condolences go out to the family," shared Udell.

While it is a tragedy a man lost his life, the prompt actions taken by NMCB 11 Seabees are a true testament to the "Can Do" attitude and "Fighting Spirit" of Seabees around the world.

NMCB-11 is a Seabee battalion specializing in contingency construction, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance. The battalion's homeport is in Gulfport, Mississippi.

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