Cubic employees are not only dedicated to their work, but also committed to caring.
Cubes tend to have very unique skillsets. This includes scientists, engineers and for those within our Cubic Global Defense (CGD) business unit, military backgrounds.
For Xavier Stewart, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) subject matter expert for CGD’s Army & Marine Corps Services Division, a recent flight from Virginia to Turkey turned out to be a remarkable tale of going above and beyond. As a forensic examiner and retired Brigadier General for the U.S. Army, Stewart’s training and experience prepared him to help not one, but two people in need of medical aid.
First, a male passenger started experiencing upper abdominal pain just as the aircraft was about to take off. When the flight crew called out for help from a medical professional, Stewart jumped in and quickly assessed the passenger’s vital signs, blood pressure, heart rate and breathing. After placing the passenger on oxygen and helping to stabilize his vitals, the plane returned to the gate, where Stewart provided paramedics with the data on the passenger so they could take over.
On that very same flight, 90 minutes after takeoff, Stewart was then asked to check on a 91-year-old woman who became short of breath and diaphoretic.
With assistance from the flight crew, Stewart provided her with emergency medical care, which included providing oxygen and breathing treatments with a bronchodilator, clearing her airway several times and giving her appropriate medication.
He took vital signs every 30 minutes for approximately five hours until the plane landed in Munich, Germany, where the aircraft was met by paramedics and firefighters.
Stewart provided a detailed written report on the passenger’s condition as she was escorted off the aircraft.
A few weeks later, Stewart received a heartfelt letter from the passenger’s daughter thanking him for his service and updating Stewart on her mother’s health and recovery.
Another Cubic employee, Robert Helms, a T-6B Instructor for CGD’s Defense & Intelligence Services Division, helped an injured deputy arrest a suspect who fled a traffic stop in Wear, Florida.
The deputy’s shoulder was dislocated when the suspect tackled him while trying to get away. With the deputy unable to use his handcuffs, Helms, a retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander, stepped in and detained the suspect until another officer arrived.
To show their thanks, the local sheriff’s office honored Helms with a civilian service award for bravery. In addition to being honored by law enforcement, Helms also made the local news in Florida!