Red Cross Everyday Heroes: Trio of local residents respond to in-flight emergency

Rachel and Matt Cunniffe were passengers on a flight to Florida with their friends, Nathaniel “Sam” Altmiller and his wife, Jen, when a crisis hit.

The Drums residents were seated a few rows back from an elderly woman who began experiencing chest pains and had difficulties breathing. When she became unresponsive, the group jumped to assist.

The Cunniffes and Nathaniel Altmiller were recipients of the Medical Hero Award by the American Red Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The organization held their annual “Heroes” dinner at Mohegan Sun Pocono on March 15.

Using what little resources were at their disposal, the trio helped stabilize the woman until the plane could land and she could be transported to a hospital. While they were working, Jen Altmiller helped calm children and other passengers on board the flight.

“We had a broken blood pressure cuff on the airplane, and we used just our basic knowledge of how to take a pulse manually, ask her questions and just gave medication that she had on-board with her,” Nathaniel Altmiller said.

Thanks to their heroic actions, the woman survived and celebrated her 80th birthday not long after.

All three heroes have roughly two decades each of medical experience. Previously, Matt Cunniffe was a rescue worker in Long Island before taking a job in communications with the Pennsylvania State Police. His wife, Rachel, is currently completing a master’s degree in nursing with prior paramedic service, and Nathaniel works with the Hazleton City Fire Department.

While the group said they felt honored to be chosen for the award, they remained humble, adding that they were simply fulfilling their job descriptions. When asked what others would have done in the situation, Matt Cunniffe declared that anyone would have tried to help.

“I believe it’s a natural instinct,” he said. “Regardless if you’ve been doing this as a profession or just your average citizen, if you have a heart I believe that you’re going to do whatever you have to do to act and try to save somebody’s life.”

Medical Hero Award recipients Rachel Cunniffe, second from left,, Matt Cunniffe, and Nathaniel ‘Sam’ Altmiller receive their awards from Red Cross of Northeast Pennsylvania Executive Director Bill Goldsworthy, left, and presenters Kathi Bankes and Susan Diana.

https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_TTL03xx18RedCrossHeroes_15.jpg.optimal.jpgMedical Hero Award recipients Rachel Cunniffe, second from left,, Matt Cunniffe, and Nathaniel ‘Sam’ Altmiller receive their awards from Red Cross of Northeast Pennsylvania Executive Director Bill Goldsworthy, left, and presenters Kathi Bankes and Susan Diana. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader