NORFOLK, Va. — A federal firefighter stationed at NSA Portsmouth is being recognized for his quick actions that helped save a life while traveling off duty.

Captain Bryan Ballard, a supervisor with Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire & Emergency Services, jumped into action during a recent flight when a passenger went into cardiac arrest mid-air.

According to IAFF Local F-25, Ballard provided life-saving measures, including CPR, and was able to help the passenger regain a pulse before the plane landed.

Ballard said he was headed to spend Labor Day weekend with friends and family in South Carolina, when a scene unfolded mid-flight, on United Flight 4288. The flight from D.C. to Columbia quickly turned frantic.

“Honestly, it was kind of a surreal moment," said Ballard.

Ballard, a firefighter

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