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Five military leaders provided emergency medical assistance to an unresponsive cyclist after a crash in Anacostia Park, September 30, 2025.
Senior leaders part of Operation Make DC Safe and Beautiful, Brig. Gen. Leland Blanchard, Maj. Robert Schapiro, and Sgt. 1st Class Jurgen Soekhoe, were en route between Good Hope Road and DC-295 when they heard a crash.
They looked out their window to investigate and found a bicycle in front of an SUV with a female victim lying unresponsive. The team made a u-turn to render care.
“They didn’t hesitate, they responded immediately to the scene, recognized what needed to be done and handled the incident with confidence and professionalism,” said Brig. Gen. Blanchard, commanding general of the D.C. National Guard.
With both Brig. Gen. Blanchard and Sgt. 1st Class Soekhoe being Combat Lifesaver (CLS) trained and Maj. Schapiro being Paramedic (Advanced Life Support) trained they implemented emergency protocols.
“We were all prepared with our CLS kits, heard the sounds of a crash from behind us and we immediately turned around to render care,” said MEDEVAC Pilot-in-Command, Maj. Schapiro.
The team contacted U.S. Park Police for MEDEVAC support and coordinated with DC Fire Department for ground emergency services.
They provided initial treatment until civilian responders arrived, then assisted with patient immobilization and assessment.
The injured cyclist was transported to a nearby trauma center.
“I am proud of my team,” said Brig. Gen. Blanchard. “We wake up, move out on our mission and are prepared for whatever comes our way, ‘Always Ready, Always there’.”
| Date Taken: | 09.30.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.30.2025 17:37 |
| Story ID: | 549773 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Web Views: | 25 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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