September 2024 Employees of the Month: TSA officers assist security guard who collapsed after an allergic reaction

When the elevator doors opened for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Supervisor Winston Diaz to enter MIA’s ramp area, he was met with an alarming sight: one of MIA’s private security guards had collapsed on the floor. Her supervisor was there but needed help assisting her. Since Winston had lifesaving combat training from the U.S. Army, he immediately jumped into action. The security officer could hardly speak and was foaming at the mouth. She was able to communicate that she was having an allergic reaction and couldn’t breathe before passing out.

After calling Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) for assistance, Diaz listened to the security guard’s heartbeat and breathing, learning that her heartbeat was racing and she was wheezing. He loosened her shoelaces and put her on her side so she would not choke on her saliva. Winston also had to put his arm under her head to shield it from hitting the concrete floor, because she was lifting her body to gasp for air.

Lead TSA Officer Michael Castellanos arrived soon after and worked with Diaz to guide MDFT to their location. When Fire-Rescue arrived, the paramedic asked Castellanos and Diaz to help her move the security guard to an open area closer to MDFR’s truck.

Castellanos and Diaz moved the security guard onto a chair with wheels and carefully but quickly rolled her over to where MDFR could better assist her. After conducting an assessment and treating her on the scene, MDFR transported her to the hospital, where she received additional treatment. Castellanos noticed the security guard’s personal belongings were nearby and brought them to the truck just before it departed.

Because of their compassionate, lifesaving actions, Diaz and Castellanos were named MIA’s September 2024 Employees of the Month.