Maxwell Airman receives Air Force Achievement Medal for heroic action Published May 27, 2015 By Airman 1st Class Alexa Culbert 42nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala -- Staff Sgt. Aaron Turnbull, 42nd Aerospace Medical Squadron aerospace medical technician, received an Air Force Achievement Medal May 21, 2015, at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama for his heroic efforts in trying to save another's life during a motor vehicle accident on Oct. 31, 2014 Turnbull was sitting in traffic on his way to work on U.S. Highway 231 when he noticed an accident involving a motor vehicle and a motorcycle had occurred. After realizing that the motorcycle rider was badly injured, he grabbed the first-aid bag that he keeps in his care and rushed to the scene. With the help of two other people, he provided cardiopulmonary resuscitation for 15 minutes before the paramedics could arrive. "There wasn't much thought; it was just grab the bag and go," said Turnbull. As an aerospace medical technician who has deployed with the Army and has learned in-depth medical care, Turnbull said he felt prepared to provide emergency medical assistance at the scene. "Every medic gets to train for this. We're all trained in life-saving skills, and he was given the opportunity and didn't let down. He did a great thing, and we're proud of him," said Maj. Brandon Hemphill, 42nd AMDS flight and operational medicine flight commander. Turnbull's supervisor, Staff Sgt. John Dye, 42nd AMDS independent medical technician, said, "Turnbull is that guy that is always at work 30 to 35 minutes before the day even begins. On that day, I actually arrived to work and he wasn't here yet. After he arrived, he told me that he had responded to the accident, and my initial thoughts were that if there was anyone that you would want to stop to help, it would probably be Turnbull, because he's seen a lot and is very knowledgeable.", Unfortunately, the accident victim did not survive. "When the paramedics showed up and got to work, I gave the police my quote...Unfortunately, he didn't survive, but he sure gave it a shot," said Turnbull. While his efforts were not enough to save a life that day, his courage, selflessness and readiness to help showcased the Airman and hero that he is.