California FBO’s Staff Recognized for Accident Response

Four employees of the Loyd’s Aviation FBO at California’s Paso Robles Municipal Airport (KPRB) were honored by the city for their swift and decisive action in responding to a life-threatening accident on the field late last month. After fueling his piston-single airplane at KPRB's self-serve island, an elderly pilot suffered a grievous injury while attempting to start the aircraft by hand-propping it.

The FBO’s line service crew heard his faint calls for help and, upon investigation, found the man lying on the ground with his left arm completely severed. They immediately sprang into action and contacted 911, while one staffer who had EMT training from the U.S. Marines performed first aid, including the application of a tourniquet to staunch the loss of blood.  Other staff members met the first responders and escorted the ambulance to the area. 

“They performed perfectly, like they had rehearsed it, and undoubtedly saved the man’s life,” said Loyd’s Aviation president Ryan Crowl, describing the day as one he never hopes to re-live. “These guys responded in a way that makes us tremendously proud of each of them.”