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Atlanta CBP Officers Save Two at Airport

Release Date
Tue, 07/03/2018

ATLANTA – A Florida man and a woman from India are alive and recovering after recently collapsing at the international baggage claim area of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). On both occasions, U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) officers initiated Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and used an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) to successfully resuscitate the travelers.

Andy LaChance, 81, and his wife arrived at ATL on June 19 from Paris, when he collapsed as he waited for his luggage. Nearby CBP officers arrived and began CPR, co-workers ran to grab the closest AED and call 911. Atlanta CBP officers maintained life-saving efforts that included the use of the AED delivering shocks to the unconscious LaChance.

CBPO Matheson from ATL bedside
CBP officer from Atlanta airport visits
with Mr. LaChance at the hospital

“When someone’s heart stops, immediate initiation of proper CPR is critical to a positive outcome,” said Lieutenant Zachary Spears, Atlanta Fire and Rescue, whose crew responded to the medical call. “These travelers may not be alive today without the quality of care given by CBP officers and airport first responders.”

One week later, CBP officers again used life-saving efforts to help a 35-year-old woman, who collapsed in the international baggage claim area at ATL on June 27 after traveling with her family from India. In moments, nearby CBP officers arrived to begin CPR and used the AED to save her life. She regained a heartbeat and was breathing in the ambulance while being transported to an area hospital for further care.

On both occasions, Atlanta Fire and Rescue paramedics arrived, provided advance care and transported them to an area medical center for treatment.

“Our officers are trained for many responses,” said Carey Davis, Atlanta Area Port Director. “Their life-saving actions are a testament to the service and care CBP delivers.”

Almost a million times each day, CBP officers welcome international travelers into the U.S.  In screening both foreign visitors and returning U.S. citizens, CBP uses a variety of techniques to intercept narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, prohibited agriculture, and other illicit products, and to assure that global tourism remains safe and strong. 

To learn more about CBP, visit CBP Snapshot and CBP.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021