A medic from Auckland, Healey-Render – deployed as an Acting Sergeant – was one of the first people to reach many critically injured casualties and quickly assumed control of the medical situation. “We heard the rockets just after we had finished a step class in the gym. I found my evacuation team, and we drove down the road where we soon found our first casualty.” NZDF/Supplied “This is when I realised the true nature of the situation,” she said. “There were multiple traumatic injuries including shrapnel wounds. I’ll admit it was scary – you never think there will be a day when you are literally running for your life.”