More than a requirement: How two Soldiers keep life-saving skills sharp

POZNAN, Poland- Training a few can save many. U.S. Army Reserve Spc. Arina Warren and Sgt. Kayla Iyore did exactly that April 29 by coordinating Red Cross First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training for service members on the eastern flank.

The training aims to save lives through faster response times, improved workplace safety and increased readiness while reducing risk and costs. It also builds confidence and cohesion within the ranks and demonstrates organizational responsibility.

"It was exciting to be a part of something that can impact not only service members, but civilians and their families in the community," Warren said. "This is only the start; we have also facilitated a class in Powidz."

Chandler Morgan, a Red Cross liaison at Camp Kosciuszko, said that until March 2025, Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, was the only forward location providing Red Cross-certified training. He noted the local program is structured differently than those in the continental United States.

"These CPR trainings provide participants the ability to recognize signs of cardiac arrest and provide immediate care," Morgan said. "More than 166 lives have been saved as a direct result of this training over the past year, including eight at overseas military bases."

Soldiers learned first aid treatment including lifesaving trauma care, casualty movement and field-medical decision-making, similar to U.S. Army Tactical Combat Casualty Care or Combat Lifesaver courses.

Before the hands-on portion, Soldiers must complete an online first aid class to establish foundational knowledge, improve performance and meet certification requirements.

The class was held on the top floor of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation center at Camp Kosciuszko. The open area supported 10 to 15 Soldiers with the equipment needed to create new first responders.

"This class isn't about checking a box; it's about equipping Soldiers with a lifesaving skill," Iyore said. "This makes a difference in unpredictable situations, whether on duty, at home or in the community."

As representatives of the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) program, Iyore and Warren will continue to create programs and opportunities for service members.

The 510th Regional Support Group, 7th Mission Support Command, is headquartered in Kaiserslautern, Germany, and co-located in Poznan. The unit provides base operation support to seven installation sites across the Baltics. As the rotational unit in Poland, the 510th Regional Support Group enables the readiness of V Corps and NATO forces across the eastern flank.

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