Training Prepares Soldier to Save Lives During Accident

What began as a routine commute to work Oct. 5 quickly became anything but for Army Sgt. 1st Class Jeff Hytower, a practical nursing specialist assigned to Madigan Army Medical Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

He was driving to base when he encountered the aftermath of a serious vehicle crash on the interstate. Seeing that help might be needed, he turned around, activated his hazard lights and found a safe location to stop.

"It was just instinct," Hytower said. "That's when training kicks in."

As he approached an overturned SUV, he quickly realized the emergency extended far beyond injuries from a vehicle collision. He saw a woman, presumably from the accident, wielding a knife and attacking two children.

Hytower moved in quickly to intervene.

"Once I saw the knife … I was just trying to isolate that knife from anyone trying to cause harm," he said.

Fortunately, Hytower was not alone. Other service members stopped to help, quickly forming an emergency team on the shoulder of the interstate.

Army Sgt. Ricardo Nunez, assigned to the 7th Infantry Division, assisted Hytower in disarming and restraining the woman. Army Sgt. Alexis McKay, a Washington National Guard combat medic, also responded, providing medical assistance and comfort to one of the injured children until law enforcement arrived.

Once the immediate threat was controlled, Hytower turned his attention to reassuring the two children. As a parent, seeing their fear affected him personally.

"None of us stopped that morning expecting anything like this to happen," he said. "We just saw people who needed help and did what we would want others to do for us and our families. I also think it shows the importance of teamwork. Everyone there played a part, whether it was providing medical care, keeping the kids calm, calling for help, or making sure the situation stayed safe. We weren't looking for recognition; we were just trying to do the right thing."

Hytower's decisive actions reflected the high-stakes readiness he practices and teaches daily at Madigan.

As a practical nursing specialist, Hytower trains service members in patient care using realistic medical simulation. Madigan's advanced simulation capabilities allow medical personnel to practice responding to complex patient scenarios using high-fidelity mannequins that replicate breathing, heart beats, coughing and other critical clinical conditions.

Hytower's response also reflects Madigan's broader commitment to medical readiness and hands-on training. Through a range of clinical education, trauma response and military medical training programs, Madigan prepares service members to assess rapidly changing situations, respond under pressure and provide lifesaving care when it matters most.

As an instructor within that training environment, Hytower helps reinforce the same skills, judgment and readiness that carry from the classroom and clinical setting into unexpected real-world emergencies.

The heroic, collaborative response of the joint service members drew high praise from local military leadership.

"The rapid, decisive actions of Sgt. 1st Class Hytower, Sgt. Nunez and Sgt. McKay represent the very best of our profession," said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gary D. Petty, Madigan Army Medical Center senior enlisted adviser.

"When confronted with a chaotic and dangerous situation, these soldiers didn't hesitate," Petty said. "They relied on their training, placed themselves between danger and the vulnerable, and saved lives. I am incredibly proud of their courage, their bias for action and their absolute commitment to protecting others."

Several service members helped detain the suspect until Washington State Patrol personnel arrived and assumed responsibility for the investigation.

For Hytower, the interstate rescue serves as a stark reminder of why rigorous military training matters long before a crisis occurs.

"I think the biggest thing was just being able to stay calm and assess what was happening," he said. "With both my soldier and medical training, you're taught to quickly figure out what needs to be done and prioritize what's most important. At first, our focus was making sure everyone involved in the accident was OK and getting them the help they needed. When the situation suddenly changed, we were able to react quickly and make sure everyone was safe. A lot of that comes from the training we've received and being able to fall back on it without really having to think about it."