Richmond International Airport TSA officers help save pilot’s life

Two Richmond International Airport TSA officers were in the middle of a security operation at the airport recently when they jumped into action after seeing an airline pilot suddenly collapse.

Their actions saved his life; the pilot had suffered cardiac arrest.

TSA officer Nigel Allen and Lead TSA officer Trenard Collier ran to help immediately.

“Trenard saw the pilot on the other side of the atrium,” Allen recalled, “and told me, ‘I think that guy is about to pass out.’ I looked over just as the pilot fell to the floor.”

The pilot approached a railing, staggered, and toppled over his roller bags, passing out. Allen sprinted to the pilot’s side, called for assistance, and began performing first aid.

Police and firefighters arrived, and while they performed CPR, Allen continued assisting the pilot and first responders.

The emergency escalated when the pilot’s heart stopped beating, requiring extended medical intervention. At that point, Allen sprinted down the hall to retrieve an automated external defibrillator.

Allen’s swift action directly led to the pilot’s revival and saving his life.

As medical attention continued, Allen and Collier cleared the area to give police and fire responders the necessary room to further attend to the pilot. While responders continued treatment, Allen retrieved the pilot’s luggage and quickly carried it to the TSA checkpoint. There, he screened the luggage to ensure the pilot was not a Federal Flight Deck Officer and possibly carrying law enforcement equipment, which would need to be secured.

TSA Federal Security Director Robin “Chuck” Burke applauded Allen for his decisive efforts.

“Officer Allen’s actions displayed conspicuous initiative, capability, and above and beyond service to the community he serves,” said Burke. “His actions clearly contributed to saving the pilot’s life. The RIC Airport Police Department and stakeholders at RIC commended Officer Allen for his quick response in being the first to administer initial first aid.

“I’m proud to work side by side with the workforce at Richmond who display caring and professionalism, such as Officer Allen, on a daily basis.”

The pilot is recovering, and his family has expressed their appreciation for Allen’s assistance and that of everyone involved.

Allen has served TSA in Richmond for four years and is currently a senior at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he is completing his degree in information systems.