When Senior Airman Sebastian d’Alton set out to train for an avalanche and crevasse rescue course, he never expected to put his skills to the test so soon. While skiing in the Alps on Jan. 17, the 57th Rescue Squadron pararescueman came across a severely injured skier, surrounded by concerned bystanders. Despite never having performed an alpine rescue, d’Alton relied on his military training to assess the injuries, control the bleeding, and stabilize the wound—ultimately helping to save the man’s life.
Navigating a language barrier with the Austrian victim and an Italian couple, he worked swiftly to apply a tourniquet and pack the wound, keeping the skier stable until ski patrol arrived. Though his quick thinking and expertise were critical, d’Alton humbly credits the team effort of those who stopped to help. His heroic actions serve as a powerful reminder that training, preparation, and a calm mindset can make all the difference in life-or-death situations.