Army training prepares Soldiers to save lives in Bulgaria, Ukraine

By Ms. Lacey Justinger (USAREUR)July 19, 2017

Ukrainian Fire: Flames
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – An apartment building on fire in L'viv, Ukraine on 16 July. Soldiers with the Oklahoma Army National Guard's 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, deployed to Ukraine in support of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine, rushed into the burning ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Bulgarian Accident: Vehicle 1
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers assigned to Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, who were deployed to Bulgaria for exercise Saber Guardian 17, came upon a two-vehicle head-on collision. They took control of the scene, contacted emergency services and... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Bulgarian Accident: Car 2
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers assigned to Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, who were deployed to Bulgaria for exercise Saber Guardian 17, came upon a two-vehicle head-on collision. They took control of the scene, contacted emergency services and... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Ukrainian Fire: Smoke in the Sky
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – An apartment building on fire in L'viv, Ukraine on 16 July. Soldiers with the Oklahoma Army National Guard's 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, deployed to Ukraine in support of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine, rushed into the burning ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany (July 19, 2017) -- When Soldiers live and work overseas, they bring their professional skills and training with them to positively impact local communities.

As Soldiers react instinctively during a crisis or emergency -- like helping with medical aid during a car accident or rushing into a burning building to evacuate residents -- their efforts not only help save lives, but build positive relationships in host nations.

This is evident after Soldiers associated with 7th Army Training Command responded to both those situations in local communities, July 16.

First, Oklahoma Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine, were enjoying a day off in Lviv, Ukraine, when they noticed smoke and decided to investigate. Six Soldiers asked the gathered crowd if anyone was still in the building. When someone answered yes, without hesitation, the group moved into the building to alert residents of the fire and help them escape.

"As a Soldier, it's definitely instilled in you to always be ready and always be there for anyone - on the battlefield or not," said Sgt. Nelson Deese, 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, OKARNG, who also is part of a volunteer fire department in Crowder, Oklahoma.

Second, Soldiers assigned to Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, who were deployed to Bulgaria for exercise Saber Guardian 17, came upon a two-vehicle head-on collision. A crowd had formed, but no one had yet taken control of the scene, contacted emergency services nor begun to render first aid.

"A very large portion of our actions is due to the training I've received since I've been in the Army," said Staff Sgt. Todd Youtzy, assigned to JMRC. "From day one, we're taught that whenever we see a situation like that, where people need help, leaders act. We step in and we do what's necessary to take care of the situation."

In both situations, training kicked in.

The six JMTG-U Soldiers rushed into smoke and flames to help evacuate the third floor of a building, and even after the Ukrainian fire department arrived, stayed on the scene to offer support.

The three Soldiers from JMRC's Vampire Team of observer, coach, trainers were driving from Cincu, Bulgaria, and immediately took charge of the accident scene. They began administering first aid to three locals whose injuries ranged from mild to serious, including lacerations, concussions, extensive bleeding and potential shock and spinal injuries.

The group then contacted emergency services, and continued treating and monitoring the casualties. The Bulgarian emergency response team arrived approximately 20 minutes later, and the Soldiers stayed on site, assisting as needed.

The JMRC Soldiers agree the Army's first aid training gave them the confidence and competence to provide assistance until emergency services could arrive.

Sgt. 1st Class Esequiel Moreno said all the knowledge and skills they used to help treat the victims was from the combat livesaver course and previous Army experience.

"All three of us are current on our combat livesaver refresher," Capt. Mason Heimer said. "There's definitely some real value to that course. More than anything, it gave us the confidence to act: knowing what to look for and how to treat it. That made the biggest difference."

In both emergencies, locals on scene were appreciative of the U.S. Soldiers' efforts.

"I think that's going to be an imprint, when we leave here, how they view Americans," said Moreno.

Both groups of Soldiers displayed Army values while reacting to an unexpected problem in their day. They choose not to ignore the situation before them and continue on their way uninterrupted, but instead, decided to act and help save lives.

Thunderbirds brave building fire to help Ukrainians

Related Links:

7ATC

JMRC OCTs

JMTG-U

Saber Guardian 17

Thunderbirds come to the rescue in Ukraine

Related Links:

7ATC

JMRC OCTs

JMTG-U

Saber Guardian 17

Thunderbirds come to the rescue in Ukraine

Related Links:

7ATC

JMRC OCTs

JMTG-U

Saber Guardian 17

Thunderbirds come to the rescue in Ukraine