BOSTON - Massachusetts National Guard members were on duty Wednesday helping safeguard the city after the Boston Marathon bombings when one of them assisted a woman who fainted at a train station.
The incident occurred as members of 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts Army National Guard, assisted police by performing presence patrols and watching for suspicious activities.
While stationed at the Downtown Crossing station, four members of the unit's Headquarters Company saw a woman faint after getting off a Red Line train.
Spc. Christopher Abele, a health care specialist (combat medic) with the 182nd, immediately began asking the woman questions to gauge her responsiveness and the severity of her condition.
Simultaneously, Sgt. Nicholas Noftle radioed MBTA police and Spc. Conor Murphy called EMTs on a cell phone. Pfc. Joshua Kingsley, an infantryman, ensured that Abele had sufficient space to work and continued watching out for suspicious activity.
Police arrived and escorted the EMTs to the woman. Fortunately, she was travelling with a family member who was able to provide information about her condition. EMTs transported her to a hospital.
Describing the incident, Abele said, "That was the first patient I ever treated so I was a little nervous. I've never deployed before so I don't have any real experience."
Responding to Abele, Sgt. Noftle, a veteran of Afghanistan and Iraq said, "Well, you do now and you knocked it out of the park!"
After the scene was clear, the Soldiers continued their mission to safeguard lives.
More than 850 Guard members are on duty continuing to assist local, state and federal authorities and provide support to the City of Boston and civilian law enforcement agencies following the bombings, which killed three and injured more than 170 people.
Boston residents themselves reported how the National Guard's presence reassured them. "It's a scary time for all us. It's great to have you guys out here," said Abby Myette, who also recalled hearing the blasts from her home. "I heard it and felt it," she said.
David Comstock, a Houston, Texas, native, who participated in his sixth Boston Marathon said, "The National Guard response is very much appreciated. It brings a sense of safety in a time of trouble."