see also: in May 2008:   Deputy Chief of the Border Patrol Announces State of the Agency   CBP Celebrates Significant Occasions at Advanced Training Center in West Virginia   CBP to Issue New Frequent Traveler Cards   Ecstasy and Methamphetamine Seized at Ambassador Bridge   CBP Races to Secure NASCAR’s Monster Mile   CBP Air and Marine Agents Interdict Migrants in Florida at the Start of Memorial Day Weekend   Border Patrol Agents Rescue 51 Illegal Aliens from Tractor Trailer ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

El Paso, Texas – Quick action by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Paso Del Norte port of entry in downtown El Paso may have saved a man’s life early this morning. The subject was a 39-year-old citizen of Las Cruces, N.M.

Shortly after midnight, border crossers entering the U.S. from Mexico alerted CBP officers that they had just encountered an unresponsive man on the sidewalk before the pedestrian inspection area. CBP officers rushed to the man’s location and noted that he appeared unresponsive and his breathing was irregular. CBP contacted 911 and continued to monitor the man. While waiting for paramedics to arrive, CBP officers noticed that the man’s breathing was becoming more labored and sporadic. CBP officers also noted that his pulse was weak and slow.

CBP officers manually cleared the man’s airway and turned the man on his side to ease his breathing. CBP officers adjusted the man’s position whenever his breathing would subside to maintain the flow of oxygen to his vital organs.After approximately 10 minutes, EMS units arrived at the port and took over life saving efforts. After approximately 20 minutes of treatment, the man was responsive and alert. He was transported to a local hospital for observation and was released in stable condition several hours later.

"EMS officials told our officers that their quick response to this medical emergency likely saved the man’s life," said acting El Paso Port Director Arthur Gonzales.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.