When a US Marine Survived a LIVE RPG in his Leg

TL;DR

A U.S Army medical evacuation crew takes a risk and airlifts a wounded Marine with an unexploded RPG embedded in his leg, ignoring proper procedures.

Transcript

when a marine had an RPG in his leg the military is known for its strict adherence to rules policies designed to keep its members alive in the worst of conditions and to maintain discipline and order in chaotic circumstances sometimes however those on the battlefield disregard these rules in order to save the lives of their comrades on January 12 2... Read More

Key Insights

• 🛟 The military has strict rules and procedures to ensure safety and discipline, but sometimes these are disregarded in extraordinary circumstances to save lives.
• 🤗 The RPG-7 is a common and dangerous weapon in the hands of insurgents, making it a significant threat to military personnel.
• 🛀 The crew showed immense courage and selflessness by risking their own lives to evacuate the wounded Marine with the unexploded RPG.
• 😷 Prompt medical attention and skilled personnel were crucial in the Marine's survival.
• 😷 The incident highlighted the importance of training medical staff to handle exceptional situations in the field.
• 🛟 The crew's decision to prioritize saving a life over following proper procedures is a testament to their dedication and sense of duty.
• 🥹 The image of Janari holding Perez still as Summerfield pulled the rocket from his leg became one of the most dramatic photos of the war in Afghanistan.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why did the medical evacuation crew decide to airlift the Marine despite the risks?

The crew unanimously agreed to airlift the Marine because they felt it was their duty to save lives and believed that he needed immediate medical attention.

Q: What challenges did the crew face during the flight?

The crew had to be extremely careful not to jar the embedded rocket, which could potentially cause a detonation. They also had to coordinate with ground personnel and keep a safe distance from the Blackhawk.

Q: What actions were taken once they landed at the forward operating base?

Navy Lieutenant Commander James Janari held Perez's hand and administered pain medication while Army EOD staff sergeant Ben Summerfield carefully removed the RPG from his leg. The rest of the medical staff made preparations to treat Perez once the scene was deemed safe.

Q: How did the crew handle an equipment malfunction during transport?

When Perez's ventilator shut off, risking suffocation, Medic Mark Edens and crew chief Robert Hardesty manually provided oxygen, ensuring his stable condition.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• A U.S Army medical evacuation crew is surprised to find a Marine with an unexploded RPG in his leg instead of the expected Afghan girl in need of aid.

• Despite military regulations forbidding the transport of patients with unexploded ordnance, the crew unanimously agrees to airlift the wounded Marine to a field hospital.

• The 11-minute flight is filled with tension and danger, with the crew working to stabilize the Marine while minimizing the risk of a detonation.