DVIDS – News – How to Save a Life: An Interview with Navy CPR Instructors

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Megan Hooper and Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Hunter Ketch, Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), led an important mission aboard the warship: teaching CPR for their comrades. Hooper, originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, entered the Navy in October 2020 with no prior medical training but quickly found herself drawn to the role as a Navy medic. Her interest led her to become a CPR instructor, and now she helps prepare her shipmates to respond to emergencies.

Ketch, of Oak Ridge, Oregon, was commissioned as a non-designated airman in 2020 and initially served aboard the Stennis when it docked in Norfolk, Virginia. After completing his Masters at Arms training in San Antonio, he returned to Stennis with a growing interest in the medical field. Originally inspired by a Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) training course, Ketch became a CPR instructor in August 2024.

For Sailors, CPR training is more than a certification – it is a life-saving skill essential to responding to emergencies at sea. With the nearest medical facility often hours away, each trained Sailor is a critical responder in the event of a medical crisis, ensuring the crew is prepared to protect one another both on and off duty.

Q: What procedures are covered in this CPR course?
A: “We cover first aid, choking hazards, the CPR process, and the proper use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).” – HM2 Hooper

Q: Why do you think this class is so important to our ship?
A: “CPR training ensures crew readiness for medical emergencies during operations and provides critical assistance in the event of accidents.” – MA2 Ketch

A: “CPR training is also a requirement for Warfare Pins and many other qualifications here on board the Stennis.” – HM2 Hooper

Q: What common choking hazards should we be aware of and how do you respond to them?
A: “Mostly food. You want to start with five blows to the back, then move on to the Heimlich maneuver, followed by jaw thrusts and swings.” – HM2 Hooper

Q: What are some of the most common injuries you have seen on the ship?
A: “Heat stress is a significant problem. I know that many people don’t stay hydrated, which can often lead to further injury. People could become dizzy and then fall down a ladder, twist their ankles and seriously injure themselves.” – MA2 Ketch

Q: Can you walk me through cardiopulmonary resuscitation step by step?
A: “First you want to start with scene safety. Then you want to see, listen and feel the patient. Be sure to observe the rise and fall of the chest. Try to feel the breath on your face and then the pulse. Only then should you begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which involves performing 30 chest compressions followed by two breaths and then repeating, maintaining a rate of 120 chest compressions per minute.” – HM2 Hooper

A: “In the meantime, you want to instruct someone to administer first aid, seek medical attention, and obtain an AED if they can. If the patient remains unconscious, the AED analyzes the heart rhythm and then delivers an electric shock to restore normal rhythm. After AED use, you should continue cardiopulmonary resuscitation until medical professionals arrive.” – MA2 Ketch

Q: How did you first become interested in teaching the CPR course at Stennis?
A: “I wanted to teach people (CPR) because we have a lot of casualties throughout the year, and since there are only two paramedics on the ship during duty, it helps us a lot if people are qualified.” We want everyone to know the basics; That way, if something happens, any sailor can step in.” – HM2 Hooper

Q: What are your plans after the Navy? Do you plan to continue pursuing a career in healthcare?
A: “My first choice would be to stay there for a while, but when I get out I would definitely like to continue my education and become a physician’s assistant, but that is still pretty far away.” – HM2 Hooper

A: “I would also like to continue my career here, but after that I plan to become a fisheries, gaming and wildlife officer.” -MA2 Ketch

The Stennis CPR course, taught by HM2 Hooper and MA2 Ketch, is offered several times a month to ensure Stennis crew members are ready to respond to any emergency. For those interested, the course schedule is posted outside the HM2 Hooper office in room 200 at the FAF.