Deputy delivers life-saving aid at San Martin Airport

In a powerful example of training, preparedness, and composure under pressure, a South Santa Clara County deputy is being recognized for saving a man’s life following a medical emergency this spring.

On the morning of April 5, Sheriff’s Deputy Ignacio Gamboa responded to a 9-1-1 call of an unresponsive person at the San Martin Airport. The man, part of a work crew on-site, had collapsed and stopped breathing.

Body-worn camera footage later revealed Deputy Gamboa calmly putting on medical gloves before arriving, ready to provide help as quickly as possible. Arriving at 8:08 a.m., he was flagged down by bystanders who had already begun CPR. The man was lying on the ground, unconscious, without a pulse or signs of breathing.

Without hesitation, Deputy Gamboa retrieved an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) from his patrol car and administered a series of shocks while continuing CPR. Moments later, the man regained a pulse and began breathing, though he appeared disoriented. He was quickly taken by paramedics to a nearby hospital and has since recovered.

“I was just doing my job and happened to be in the right place at the right time,” said Deputy Gamboa. “I’m grateful I had the tools and training to help. Any one of my fellow deputies would have done the same.”

This life-saving response underscores the critical role deputies often play in medical emergencies, frequently arriving on scene before paramedics to begin CPR or use lifesaving equipment like an AED.

Every Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle is equipped with an AED, a life-saving tool that can restore a heartbeat during cardiac arrest. Deputy Gamboa’s actions that day reflect not only quick thinking, but the value of training and readiness in the field.

“He remained calm, focused, and executed precisely as trained,” said Assistant Sheriff Adam Oberdorfer. “His swift actions and steady composure directly contributed to saving a life.”

After assisting with the victim’s safe transport to the hospital, Deputy Gamboa quietly returned to patrol, resuming his shift and continuing to serve the South County community.