FORT CAVAZOS, Texas - Soldiers of the Louisiana Army National Guard’s 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and its assigned units were conducting a training exercise May 14 for an emergency medical evacuation when a Soldier collapsed nearby from a heat injury, turning the exercise into a real rescue.
The training, held on one of the hottest days of the week, was to prepare for the Soldiers’ upcoming deployment as part of a NATO-led Kosovo Force Regional Command-East.
During the training, Staff Sgt. Ashley Renye of Kentucky Army National Guard’s Detachment 1, C Company, 2-238th General Support Aviation Battalion, downloaded from the aircraft and yelled, “Where are my patients!”
She ran toward the exercise involving a simulated rollover with role-players acting as injured Soldiers and civilians. Renye ran 300 meters carrying medical equipment and two litters while in her flight gear.
Renye successfully medically evaluated all the role-players during the training emergency.
Moments later, a Soldier collapsed nearby from a heat injury. Soldiers in the exercise quickly put their training to use, realizing medical assistance was needed and waiving down help.
Without hesitation, Renye leaped into action and provided a rapid response.
She praised her unit for adapting to a critical situation and transitioning from training into reality by being prepared. They reacted quickly in unison and arranged for the patient to be airlifted to a nearby hospital.
“Staff Sgt. Renye demonstrated exceptional professionalism and personal courage during a critical moment during our training event. Her ability to quickly transition from a simulated training environment to providing care to a Soldier in need is remarkable! We are grateful to have her experience and skills in our ranks,” said Colonel Jonathan Lloyd, commander of the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
With a decade of experience, including six years as a military flight medic and four years as a civilian emergency room medic, Renye is no stranger to working under pressure and tense environments. Her quick response and calmness under pressure are rooted in her military and civilian medical experience and training. She assessed the Soldier who needed medical care and efficiently administered critical care to stabilize the Soldier.
“I know there’s chaos around me, and I’m trained to stay focused on the patient. I know I’m helping to save someone’s life,” said Renye as she emphasized the importance of always staying prepared.
As temperatures spike entering the summer season, the units use this training to focus on Soldiers’ medical response and the valuable asset trained medics bring to the mission. Thanks to Renye and her unit for their professionalism and preparedness; the Soldier is recovering well. The unit has continued training for its upcoming deployment in support of Kosovo Regional Command-East.