FORT DRUM, New York (WWNY) - The motto “continue to train and stand prepared for the next fight” gained a new meaning last month on Fort Drum. Four combat medical specialists put their training to the test to save a baby’s life.
Being a combat medical specialist in the Army is a heavy weight to carry.
“Along with our 35-pound ruck we have medical supplies,” said Specialist Roberta Lee, 41st Brigade Engineer Battalion.
Private First Class Alex Leal admits being a medic wasn’t his first choice.
“It was the one that was available at the time and I’m honestly glad that I chose it,” said Leal.
On September 20, Leal and four others were set to train at the Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis Weapon Training Center when, a few feet away, a woman jumped out of her car screaming for help.
“The woman yelled, ‘Call 911, she’s not breathing!’ She pulled out a baby, and I just kind of went into serious mode,” said Specialist Chloe Badiei, 41st Brigade Engineer Battalion.
Noticing the child was blue, Badiei began administering back blows to the baby. Lee quickly ran to assist her using the technique she had learned in a pediatric medic training a couple of weeks prior.
“After a while of doing that, I realized the baby made a cry. It was faint but it was still there. We took her up, reassessed her, tried to comfort her. Then she was crying for a little bit, then started giggling. That’s how I knew, like “phew,’” said Lee.
As Badiei and Lee continued to assist the infant and mother, Leal dropped his weapon and ran to their aid, helping the father.
“All I heard was ‘medic’, and I instantly just went into that mindset of, ‘I have to go out and help.’ I wasn’t thinking about anything else besides helping,” said Leal.
Sergeant Jarrett Rivera will leave Fort Drum for Texas next week. For him, the moment serves as a lasting memory.
“It’s always nice to see something you train in happen, get a chance to practice, and see its results,” he said.
The four were honored with the Army Commendation Medal for their heroism.
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