Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training is a requirement for all recruiters as they are responsible for the well-being of their Future Sailors and potential officer candidates.

This training helped Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Daniel Hunziker, a recruiter assigned to Navy Recruiting Station Columbia, save a man's life July 5.

Early that morning as Hunziker, a native of Litchfield, Illinois, was walking toward his office inside the Columbia Mall, he heard a commotion coming from the employee entrance of the Dillard's department store.

"A lady was standing by the rear entrance; she asked me if I knew CPR," said Hunziker. "I told her 'yes' and she informed me that a co-worker had collapsed."

Hunziker said he immediately ran into the store and saw a man lying on his back, unconscious, surrounded by a few bystanders and a mall security guard attempting to conduct CPR.

"I asked if he wanted me to take over; he said 'yes,' so I started performing CPR," said Hunziker.

Hunziker said he continued conducting chest compressions and giving rescue breaths for about five minutes until emergency medical services arrived.

Wayne Engle, Columbia Mall director of public safety, said the employee was transported to the hospital where medical personnel were able to get a pulse.

Engle added Hunziker and the security guard's quick response to the situation helped save the employee's life.

"Without them he would not be alive," said Engle.

Hunziker said his immediate reaction to the situation was second nature.

"Believe it or not, you already know what to do," Hunziker added. "Above all else, don't be a bystander."

Hunziker was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his heroic actions.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Navy Recruiting District St. Louis, visit http://www.navy.mil/.