An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Sept. 21, 2012

Illinois Guard Soldier helps rescue unconscious equestrian

By Sgt. Robert R. Adams Illinois National Guard

PEORIA, Ill. - Immediate actions taken by an Illinois Soldier ensured the safety of an unconscious woman who had fallen from a horse in a state park.

Sgt. 1st Class James Rade, of the Illinois Recruiting and Retention Battalion in Springfield, used his military training to evaulate the situation and respond to get medical assistance for Susan O'Rourke, of Bloomington, Ill.

Rade stopped at Jubilee State Park after work to scout for the upcoming deer season. While walking down one of the trails on the 3,200-acre park grounds, Rade came across O'Rourke, who was unconscious and bleeding.

Calling out to her, Rade said he tried to get her to speak. Rade said dried blood on her forehead led him to believe she had been lying there for quite some time.

"Evaluating a casualty, which I was trained on in the Illinois Army National Guard, played a vital role in what I was able to do for the woman when I found her," he said. "I went right into my military training and kept my mind focused on the well-being of the woman."

When Rade reached O'Rourke, he was able to get her to respond. He said he could tell she was confused, but responsive. He proceeded to check her vitals to make sure no other immediate attention was necessary and then called 911.

Emergency personnel arrived and transported O'Rourke to a hospital, which released her the next day.

"The family was very relieved that she was found when she was and that she was not seriously injured," said Peoria County Deputy Jason Buckley .

"Searches are much more difficult at night. Rade, finding her when he did, saved authorities crucial time to getting her the medical attention she needed and possibly saved her life."

O'Rourke said Rade was the right person at the right time.

"I would not have survived if it wasn't for the National Guardsman that came along and saved my life," O'Rourke said. "He was very professional and used his skills to make the decision on whether to have someone come help me or to walk out of the woods with me. He kept me calm and I trusted him to make the decisions needed to care for me and administer proper first aid. I could have been there all night without food or water."

 

 

Related Articles
Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 263rd Air Defense Artillery, 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, South Carolina Army National Guard, attended a deployment departure ceremony Oct. 19, 2024, at the Easley Readiness Center, Easley, South Carolina. This unit is preparing to deploy to support Operation Inherent Resolve.
South Carolina Army Guard Air Defenders Deploying to CENTCOM
By Staff Sgt. Tim Andrews, | Oct. 31, 2024
EASLEY, S.C. - A departure ceremony was held Oct. 19 for South Carolina Army National Guard Soldiers deploying to support Operation Inherent Resolve in the CENTCOM area of responsibility.The Battery B, 2nd Battalion, 263rd...

Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., center, meets with Guam Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio and members of the Guam National Guard in Koror, Palau, Oct. 29, 2024. The Guam National Guard and Palau held their inaugural State Partnership Program event in Palau, sharing best practices in emergency management and planning, communications, disaster response, and more.
Guam Guard Holds Inaugural State Partnership Event in Palau
By Mark Scott, | Oct. 31, 2024
KOROR, Palau – The Guam National Guard and the Republic of Palau held their first State Partnership Program event Oct. 28-31, with Soldiers and Airmen assessing emergency action plans and communications capabilities around...

The District of Columbia National Guard celebrated the 222nd anniversary of the first muster of D.C. Militia at the D.C. Armory, Oct. 30 2024. The event underscored the D.C. National Guard’s legacy, from its beginnings in 1802 to present-day missions supporting the capital city and national defense.
District of Columbia National Guard Honors Legacy of Service
By Ayan Sheikh, | Oct. 31, 2024
WASHINGTON - Two hundred twenty-two years ago, the District of Columbia Militia, hailing from every class and occupation, reported for duty near Rawlins Park. At this muster, leaders conducted roll call for each individual in...