BCTAca,!E+training pays off in medical crisis

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- A Soldier's quick actions may have saved a civilian's life.

When Pvt. Rodolfo Reynoso, a supply clerk with Company F, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, went to the battalion's dining facility for breakfast recently, he observed an unusual commotion.

"I noticed that one of the DFAC workers was having a problem walking," Reynoso recalled. "(Some co-workers) were escorting him to the back."

Reynoso went to the back of the building to find out what was going on. He saw that the man, a food service worker, had fallen face down and was suffering a seizure.

"He cramped up completely," Reynoso said, referring to the civilian whose name is withheld to protect his privacy.

Reynoso acted promptly. He opened the man's mouth to prevent him from accidentally biting his own tongue and instructed others on how to help stabilize the man until paramedics arrived.

Teresa Bratton, the DFAC manager, said she believed Reynoso's actions helped save her employee's life. According to Bratton, the man -- who has not been able to return to work yet -- is doing well and is expected to make a full recovery.

Reynoso said he was able to provide help because of what he learned in Basic Combat Training with the 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment last year.

"My drill sergeants instructed me on how to perform life-saving procedures," he said. "I just applied those steps."

Command Sgt. Maj. Tracy Johnson, 3rd Bn., 34th Inf. Reg. command sergeant major, said that Reynoso's quick actions reflect greatly on him.

"He retained (what) he learned in Basic Combat Training," Johnson said. "He made an important decision in a matter of seconds that saved an individual's life. So, I think what he did was very important and very brave."

Reynoso was awarded the Army Achievement Medal for his actions, but is quick to point out that receiving credit was never on his mind.

"I didn't expect anything like that. I just did my duty," he said. "I took the initiative to do what any Soldier would have done -- to help somebody in need."