Photo By Maj. David Boyles | Pfc. Sean Gereaghty played a crucial role during 60th Presidential Inauguration by...... read more read more
As the nation prepared to celebrate the 60th Presidential Inauguration, the atmosphere in Washington, D.C. was electric with anticipation. Approximately 8,000 National Guard service members from approximately 40 states and territories comprise Joint Task Force-District of Columbia (JTF-DC) to support the inauguration. These National Guard service members provide critical support such as crowd management, traffic control points, CBRN response, civil disturbance response and sustainment operations. Their expertise and seamless collaboration with interagency partners help ensure a safe and peaceful transition of power during this historic event.
Among the many service members tasked with ensuring the safety and security of the event, Pfc. Sean Gereaghty, a Pennsylvania Army National Guard (PA ARNG) Soldier and Philadelphia native, stood resolutely at a traffic control point in Washington DC. Little did he know, this day would test his training, readiness, and resolve during an unexpected situation. Gereaghty, who is assigned to the 1069th Military Police Company, 165th Military Police Battalion, 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, which is headquartered in Sellersville, Pa., has only been in the National Gurad a short time. But during this time, Gereaghty capitalized on the opportunities available to him to ascertain his Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license.
“After high school I joined the National Guard and got my EMT certificate during annual training,” Gereaghty says. “I returned home and became an EMT full-time shortly after.”
Gereaghty and a fellow service member, Pfc. Aundrea Burke, were stationed at a traffic control point in Washington, D.C. on Inauguration Day when they were alerted of a nearby woman collapsing. The woman was experiencing severe chest pains, indicating a potential heart attack. Gereaghty sprang into action, rushing to assess the situation without hesitation. He displayed confidence and expertise despite his less than one year of experience as an EMT.
Upon arrival to the scene, Gereaghty found a woman visibly distressed, faint, and complaining of chest pain. Gereaghty quickly engaged the fallen woman’s family members after realizing there was a language barrier preventing sufficient communication with the woman. His calm demeanor and clear focus on the task at hand helped ease the situation, enabling him to gather crucial information about her medical history.
Gereaghty expertly performed a medical assessment while closely monitoring the woman’s vital signs. He noted that her heart rate remained stable and refrained from any invasive interventions. Security personnel in the building where the woman had collapsed located an Automated External Defibrillator and kept it near on standby, ready for use should the situation escalate. Gereaghty’s training and poise allowed him to keep the situation under control until Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived.
Gereaghty continued to monitor and reassure the woman and her family while waiting for an ambulance to arrive. Once EMS personnel arrived Gereaghty provided them with the details of the incident and passed along information about the woman’s medical history, current status, and the care he’d provided up to that point. As the EMS team loaded the woman onto an ambulance, Gereaghty felt a sense of relief wash over him.
“Helping people feels good, especially when the outcome ends up being a positive one,” said Gereaghty. He could rest easy knowing he’d done everything he could to assist during a critical moment.
In the grand scheme of a historic event like Inauguration Day, Gereaghty’s actions may seem like a small footnote. However, Gereaghty’s quick thinking, compassionate care, and dedication to duty exemplified the core values of the Army. He not only served to protect the nation during a significant event, but also demonstrated the true spirit of service by providing life-saving assistance to a citizen in need.
As the inauguration festivities continued around him, Gereaghty had a moment to reflect on the day's events, knowing that he’d left a lasting impression on the life of another. In that moment, he understood that being a Soldier meant more than just following orders; it meant being prepared to act with courage and compassion, no matter the circumstances. ”Always Ready, Always There.”
| Date Taken: | 01.21.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 01.21.2025 16:03 |
| Story ID: | 489380 |
| Location: | PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 58 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, A Moment of Valor: Pfc. Sean Gereaghty’s Heroic Action at the 60th Presidential Inauguration, by MAJ David Boyles, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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