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PRT Airman aids boy injured by bus

  • Published
  • By Capt. Joe Campbell
  • Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team
PANJSHIR PROVINCE, Afghanistan --  Whether the young Afghan boy was hit by a bus or slipped and fell from it May 11 is unknown. What is known is that an Airman was soon there to render aid.

Thirteen-year-old Mohammad Yousuf, son of Amir Shah, from the village of Obdurah, was treated at Rokha Emergency Hospital for multiple cuts and bruises after his encounter with a bus near a safe house where members of the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team live. 

“I was on the front porch relaxing and studying the Dari language with several of our guards, when I noticed them all stand up and look out toward the road,” said Senior Airman Dennis Martinez, a communications technician deployed from Tinker Air Force Base near Oklahoma City. “I saw a boy, crouched in the fetal position crying and screaming on the road.” 

It only took Airman Martinez a few seconds to react. As he ran the nearly 100 yards to the scene, he assessed the situation and made sure the scene was safe as he and the guards responded. At least seven people were standing around, but not helping the injured boy, he said. 

“I guess the bus must have started moving and he lost his grip while climbing aboard. I noticed the bus had stopped, but no one was doing anything,” said Airman Martinez.
Mohammad’s face was completely covered with blood by the time the guards and Airman Martinez arrived with a first aid kit. He quickly examined the boy and made the decision to transport him to the hospital. 

“We loaded Mohammad in the back seat of our vehicle and I heard him say the town name “Rokha,” then one of the guards said in broken English, to take the boy to the hospital in Rokha,” said Airman Martinez. 

As the four departed, Airman Martinez said he again noticed all the people standing around and watching. “I don’t believe they knew what to think. I heard some of the onlookers saying 'American' or something of that nature and I think they were trying to thank me, but my only concern was about getting to a hospital,” he said. 

When they reached the hospital in Rokha, they were met by medical personnel who spoke some English. They thanked the three for bringing Mohammad in, treated his injuries and then transferred him to Anaba Hospital where he was kept over night for observation. The young man was released the next day. 

“Senior Airman Martinez’s quick response is testament to his concern for people,” said Lt. Col. Neal Kringel, Panjshir PRT commander. “He quickly took charge of the situation, relying on his training and the people and resources he had. He helped a scared and injured boy get back to doing the things he loves.”