Watch CBS News

LAX Officers Save Heart Attack Victim's Life

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Two airport officers are being praised this weekend after saving the life of a woman who apparently suffered a heart attack at a terminal at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Officers Robert Mosquera and Thi Tran came to the woman's aid shortly after 10 p.m. Friday after receiving reports of a person falling ill at Terminal 2, airport officials stated in a news release.

Upon arrival, the officers met 49-year-old Ethel Martinez, who moments before, had collapsed while escorting her sister to a ticket counter.

While speaking with Martinez, the woman reportedly stopped breathing and had no pulse, airport officials explained.

That's when one of the officers started to perform CPR while the other grabbed an AED machine, or Automated External Defibrillator.

The officers continued to work on Martinez until she was able to breathe again.

"Thanks to the commendable actions of Officers Mosquera and Tran, who quickly responded to a life-threatening medical emergency and effectively used their emergency medical training, a woman who was at LAX is alive today and will be able to enjoy the new year," said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa upon hearing the news.

Paramedics transported Martinez to an area hospital for further medical attention.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.