Photo By Sgt. Katlynn Pickle | U.S. Army Soldiers Sgt. Luis Piniero, Sgt. Michael Bushey, Spc. Joshua Tucker, Spc....... read more read more
WASHINGTON — Service members assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia (JTF-DC) supporting the DC Safe and Beautiful mission have administered naloxone to more than 100 individuals experiencing drug-related emergencies since the mission began in August 2025. The abuse of opioids is a problem throughout the United States, and with it comes the risk of overdose. Opioid abuse and addiction is a problem that affects many, and often results in death. According to the office of the DC Chief Medical Examiner, the DC area alone has seen as many as 2,504 deaths attributed to opioid overdose from January 1, 2017 through October 31, 2023. Early on in the mission, personnel conducting patrol observed a need for immediate response to suspected drug-related overdoses. In response, leaders integrated the administration of naloxone into the required training criteria for patrol personnel, though all guardsmen assigned to the task force have the opportunity to receive the training. “ The DC Safe and Beautiful mission is fundamentally about safeguarding the community,” says 1st Lt. Austin Coomes, a medical operations officer with the South Carolina National Guard. “Equipping our personnel with naloxone provides them with a crucial, life-saving capability to intervene effectively in overdose situations, thereby enhancing the safety and well-being of the District’s residents.”
All patrol personnel undergo comprehensive, multi-facetted training led by certified medical sections as a prerequisite for missions. “Training National Guard members to administer Narcan (naloxone) significantly enhances overall readiness by strengthening their capacity to perform their dual mission, which encompasses both federal and state responsibilities. This training directly supports their state mission to aid civil authorities in domestic emergencies, including public health crises like the opioid epidemic,” says Col. Nushat Thomas, the commander of the medical detachment at JTF-DC. Approximately 95% of the JTF-DC are non-medical personnel and receive training in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Basic Life Support (BLS), and naloxone administration. “While DC EMS has an excellent response time, having a trained Guardsman on the scene to provide basic life-saving care in the first critical moments has proven to significantly increase the survivability of overdose victims,” says 1st Lt. Coomes. Training like this is beneficial to Guardsmen not only here in DC but across the country. Citizen-soldiers have a unique bond with their fellow service members and civilians alike. “The medical skills learned in trauma training are highly transferable to civilian life. They can be invaluable in responding to everyday emergencies, and can also open doors to careers in emergency medical services, law enforcement, or other first responder fields,” says Col. Thomas.
Training is most effective when it becomes second nature to react at a moment's notice. Service members assigned to JTF-DC say that their training has accomplished this. “I think the training also made him react level headed and calmly,” says Spc. Lisbette Cano of her team mate Spc. Jose Cosme, both from the 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade with the Georgia National Guard. Their team is one of many who have had to administer naloxone. Spc. Cosme says of the training that it “allowed me to react as fast as I possibly could,” while recounting the incident. The patrols of JTF-DC are trained to identify signs and symptoms of overdose, provide naloxone and basic aid while securing the scene until Emergency Medical Services (EMS) can arrive. “I think due to (the) training given that, everyone that was there found a role, a job to do on the scene,” says Spc. Joshua Tucker, also a part of Cano and Cosme’s patrol team and the Georgia Guard. “They knew what to do immediately, and that’s how everyone became successful.” Patrols have many things to be aware of while they are on mission and this kind of training provides one more capability to each team members’ arsenal of skills. “I would say it has built up our confidence in spotting certain situations,” says Spc. Keandre Fleming, also a part of Cano and Cosme’s patrol team and the Georgia Guard. “Whenever we spot something, we question whether we can apply our training, or if we have to seek help. But this time we were able to apply our training and get help at the same time.”
A well trained Guardsman in the right place at the right time can make all the difference. The presence patrols conducted by these uniquely qualified Guardsmen have the potential to intervene earlier in a crisis and save many lives. This also exemplifies the mission’s primary objective which is to support the D.C. community and the safety of all who live, work, and visit the District. “We are proud of the role we have played in mitigating suffering and enhancing the safety of the DC community,” says 1st Lt. Coomes.
| Date Taken: | 03.20.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 03.23.2026 11:45 |
| Story ID: | 561112 |
| Location: | DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Web Views: | 94 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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