Real emergencies do not wait for the perfect moment. In this episode of Making Shooters Better, host Terry Vaughan recounts a medical emergency he personally witnessed at the ALERRT Conference and speaks with patrol officer Devyn Austin-Johnson, who stepped in without hesitation when someone nearby collapsed.

The conversation focuses on what happened in those critical first minutes, why training matters under pressure, and how teamwork and communication can turn a chaotic scene into a coordinated response.

The Moment Everything Changed

It was the end of a long training day. People were relaxing, talking, and watching a football game when an individual suddenly collapsed. In situations like this, uncertainty can quickly lead to panic.

Instead, the response stayed focused and deliberate.

  • Airway and breathing were checked immediately
  • The individual was placed into a recovery position
  • Roles were taken without argument or confusion
  • Emergency services and an AED were requested right away

Why the Recovery Position Matters

One of the most important early decisions was placing the individual into the recovery position. When someone is unconscious but breathing, this simple action helps keep the airway open and reduces the risk of aspiration.

It is a low-risk, high-impact skill that anyone can learn and apply while waiting for medical professionals to arrive.

Teamwork Under Pressure

What stood out most was not one person’s actions, but how everyone worked together. Strangers quickly became a coordinated team, each person filling a role based on their training.

  • Clear leadership emerged naturally
  • Chest compressions were rotated to prevent fatigue
  • Communication stayed calm and direct
  • No one froze or waited to be told what to do

This kind of teamwork does not happen by accident. It is built through repetition, training, and shared expectations.

The Role of AEDs and Medical Tools

When the AED arrived and delivered a shock, the impact was immediate. Color returned, and the situation began to stabilize. The discussion also touches on tools like mechanical chest compression devices and airway adjuncts, and why knowing how to use them matters just as much as having them available.

Equipment helps, but training makes it effective.

Managing Stress and Tunnel Vision

High-stress situations narrow focus and distort perception. Devyn explains how taking a brief tactical pause, speaking out loud, and assigning small tasks can break tunnel vision and keep responders effective.

Stress inoculation through realistic training prepares people to function when pressure is high and the stakes are real.

Practical Takeaways for Everyone

This episode offers lessons that apply far beyond law enforcement.

  • Do something constructive instead of freezing
  • Learn CPR, AED use, and basic airway management
  • Practice rotating roles during training
  • Train communication, not just technical skills
  • Prepare for stress, not just ideal conditions

Small actions taken quickly can make the difference between life and death.

Watch the Full Conversation

This episode goes deeper into the real-world decisions, training habits, and mindset that guided a successful outcome. Watching the full conversation gives important context around how responders communicated, adapted, and trusted each other under pressure.

If you care about preparedness, responsible training, and learning from real experiences, this is a conversation worth watching.

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