Courtesy Photo | U.S. Army Spc. Trenton Martinez, a combat medic with 1st Battalion-37th Armored...... read more read more
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SIERRA BLANCA, Texas – A U.S. Army Soldier’s selfless actions saved a women’s life and gave a little girl a chance of survival after a vehicle accident on Jan. 15, 2026.
“When I arrived, it was immediately clear the situation was extremely serious,” said Spc. Trenton Martinez, a combat medic (68W) with 1st Battalion-37th Armored Regiment, assigned to Joint Task Force-Southern Border (JTF-SB). “There were children's belongings scattered across the ground, and I knew it was going to be a high stress environment.”
Martinez responded to the scene after U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) contacted him via radio during his 24-hour medical coverage shift. He immediately coordinated with a USBP medical technician already on site. Martinez treated a 10-year-old-girl who had been ejected from the vehicle.
He provided critical stabilization care to the child until Hudspeth County Emergency Medical Service paramedics arrived and assumed her care. He then assisted with the extrication and medical care of the vehicle’s driver, a 29-year-old-woman who remained trapped inside the wreckage.
Despite the horrible condition of the vehicle - shattered glass and exposed, razor-sharp twisted metal - Martinez crawled through a broken window to reach the driver. Once inside he stabilized her spine with a cervical collar and treated a severe laceration on her head.
The soldier stayed with her until medical evacuation assets arrived, ensuring she remained safe during the extrication until her evacuation by air. The child was transported by the ambulance on the ground.
“My focus was staying calm, working with the other medical providers on scene, and doing everything possible to stabilize the patients until additional resources arrived.” Said Martinez.
Martinez’s quick decision-making and disregard for his personal safety directly saved the life of the driver. Sadly, the child ultimately succumbed to her injuries; however, medical professionals stated Martinez gave her the best chance at survival. As a U.S. Army Soldier, he showed courage and selfless devotion to duty. Martinez's heroic actions are under review to earn the Soldier’s Medal, which is the Army’s highest noncombat honor.
| Date Taken: | 02.05.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 02.06.2026 13:50 |
| Story ID: | 557527 |
| Location: | SIERRA BLANCA, TEXAS, US |
| Hometown: | FOSTORIA, OHIO, US |
| Web Views: | 579 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, JTF-SB Soldier Responds to Rollover, Saves Life, by SPC Richard Ortiz, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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