Photo By Staff Sgt. Nathan Berry | Sgt. Anthony Beaudry, a combat medic assigned to 3rd Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment,...... read more read more
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Fort Stewart, Ga. - Combat medics assigned to 3rd Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, “Hellhounds” used training and experience gained during military service to save a Soldier suffering from heat stroke, May 18, at Fort Stewart, Ga.
Given the morning temperatures and high humidity at Fort Stewart, Soldiers can be at increased risk for heat injuries during physical training. Untreated heat stroke can quickly damage the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The damage worsens the longer treatment is delayed, increasing the risk of serious complications or death. Recently, one such incident almost cost a Soldier his life, had it not been for the actions of a few fellow Soldiers.
Sgt. Anthony Beaudry and Pfc. Samantha Hulen were inside the 3-67 Armor aid station when they were notified of a B Company Soldier suffering from a severe heat injury. The two combat medics immediately gathered their needed equipment and rushed toward the casualty.
Hulen said, “We rehearse these scenarios so we are always ready to react. We know every second counts.”
Upon reaching the casualty, lessons learned during their training scenarios enabled the medics to quickly assess the Soldier’s condition.
“Training is very important in our ability to react quickly and correctly,” said Beaudry. “Every year before the start of summer, we have classes and simulation training in order to be ready for the summer months here at Fort Stewart.”
Beaudry took charge of the care and attempted communicating with the Soldier. The casualty was unresponsive, hot to the touch and breathing rapidly--all signs of a heat injury.
Hulen prepared the litter while Beaudry assessed the core temperature.
The patient’s core temperature had risen to 108 degrees. A core temperature that high places a Soldier’s health and life in serious jeopardy. Due to the dangerous temperatures here at Fort Stewart, medics often have sheets packed in ice and water on standby to assist them to rapidly cool victims of heat injury.The two experienced professionals began packing them into the casualty’s neck, armpits, and groin regions in an attempt to cool him down.
“We knew with a core temperature that high the patient was in extreme danger,” said Beaudry. “At 108 degrees there is a real risk for brain damage; it was the highest core temperature I have ever seen.”
Treatment continued as they desperately tried to lower the Soldier's body temperature to a more acceptable level. As word of the emergency spread, more Hellhound medics arrived to assist with care.
“I didn’t know the Soldier prior to the incident, but I am so proud of being able to help him,” said Hulen.
Beaudry and Hulen, with help from other medics and Soldiers within the battalion, continued to pack ice, apply cold water, and reassure the casualty for approximately 15 minutes until emergency medical services arrived.
“I heard that the Soldier has recovered from the incident,” said Beaudry. “It’s a great feeling when you’re able to save someone's life, but I would rather incidents like this never happen.”
For more information and training materials about heat illness prevention, leaders can visit the following website: https://phc.amedd.army.mil/topics/discond/hipss/Pages/Heat-Related-Illness-Prevention.aspx
| Date Taken: | 06.25.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 06.25.2018 10:24 |
| Story ID: | 282147 |
| Location: | FORT STEWART, GEORGIA, US |
| Web Views: | 429 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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