It was an emergency situation at Nashville International Airport that very nearly cost a man his life, but quick actions saved the day. The crucial moments were all caught on airport security video.
The video showed first responders in action saving a life. "With 13 million people coming through the airport, the odds are somebody is going to have a heart attack," said Airport Police Chief David Griswold.
The video also showed baggage carousel 5 at the airport where a man suddenly collapsed face down on the conveyor belt.
He was unconscious, barely breathing, having suffered a massive heart attack.
"If you don't act they will die. That's the bottom line," said Chief Griswold.
The chief said his officers prepare for this very moment. "They train constantly for these situations," Griswold said.
The exclusive video obtained from terminal security cameras showed what happened next.
The man collapsed and was pulled from the conveyor belt. Seconds later airport police arrived. He was in full cardiac arrest -- no heart beat, no breathing - so officers immediately began chest compressions and called for a defibrillator.
While all this was going on, air travelers continued to mill about picking up their bags.
The defibrillator arrived, and the officers attached the electrodes. The video showed the moment the man's right arm suddenly jolted upward.
"The first shot to the individual brought him back," said Chief Griswold.
Then more chest compressions took place, and the victim was stabilized. This all happened in less than five minutes.
The officers' quick actions saved the man's life. Chief Griswold said that's their duty to all travelers.
"When they come through the doors, they know they can be protected from terrorism, to a plane accident, to something like this happening," Chief Griswold said.
The heart attack victim was a traveler from out-of-state and could not be reached for comment. We're told he recovered enough since this incident on Tuesday to return home.
