Maryland National Guard Soldier’s Quick Actions Save a Life in Baltimore

By Capt. Dylan Bradford

BALTIMORE, Md. – A Maryland Army National Guard Soldier utilized his civilian training to
administer Narcan to an unresponsive man in downtown Baltimore on May 30, 2024, saving his
life.

Spc. Ryan Marani, who is also a Baltimore City firefighter when not serving in the Maryland National Guard Counterdrug program, noticed a crowd gathered around an overdose victim on Federal Street and promptly used his training to tend to him. Learning that one of the bystanders had Narcan in their car, Marani quickly took control of the situation and administered the naloxone medication, which can fully reverse opioid overdose if given quickly. His prompt action was instrumental in reviving the victim during the emergency response.

Marani, 35, who joined the Maryland National Guard in 2014 as an infantryman with the 1st
Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment, has deep-rooted ties to both military and emergency service
professions. His father served as a paramedic in Baltimore City and a medic in the U.S. Army,
and his grandfather was a medic in the 26th Infantry Division during World War II. This
background, along with his five years of experience as a city firefighter with Engine 51, prepared
Marani for the critical situation.

“Seconds really matter during these situations,” Marani said. “You are your own first responder,
and your swift actions can be the difference between life or death.”

The training and mentorship Marani received at Engine 51 proved vital during this emergency.
He credits his station Capt. Mark Lemmon, First Acting Man Robert Roy, and Pump Operator
Matt Fairley for their role in shaping his capabilities. Their guidance equipped him with the
knowledge and confidence needed to act decisively, even while off-duty.

“This incident is a clear example of how the skills we develop through our training and
mentorship can make a real difference in our communities,” said Marani. “I encourage everyone
to learn how to administer Narcan and first aid, you could be the next person to save a life.”

Marani, who was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal last month, was lauded by his
leadership for being always ready to support fellow citizens in the community.

“As a part of the Drug Demand Reduction team, Spc. Marani truly shows that he cares about
individuals in his community,” said Col. William Fox, the director of the Maryland National Guard
Counterdrug program. “We were not surprised to hear that he jumped into action to assist, that’s
just the kind of person he is.”