Everyday Heroes

Beyond the Swimming Pool: High School Student Prepared to Help Thanks to Red Cross Training

Written by Kristine Ripley

Seventeen-year-old Mary Isely was working at the Astro Movie Theatre, in Clemson, South Carolina, when she sprung into action with the skills she learned as part of her American Red Cross lifeguard training. For the last four years, Mary had renewed her American Red Cross CPR certification in order to continue to lifeguard. One fall night she was able to apply this knowledge beyond the swimming pool.

As Mary helped moviegoers with popcorn and soft drinks, a woman frantically rushed into the theatre lobby yelling for people to call 911. A baby in the parking lot was having trouble breathing. Mary hesitated for a moment but knew she could help. She raced out to the baby. Mary determined that the 8-month-old baby girl had a blocked airway. She later described to The Greenville News how the infant looked. "Her face was beet red and there was tears coming out of her eyes but there was no sound."

Mary flashed back to her Red Cross training. She held the baby as she was taught. She then provided about four cycles of back blows and chest thrusts just like she had recently practiced on a manikin. Mary was so relieved to hear the baby cry. This meant the baby was able to breathe once again. Emergency Medical Services arrived, verified the infant was all right, and Mary returned to work.

Mary Isely has been awarded the American Red Cross Certificate of Merit for her heroic actions. This is the highest award given by the American Red Cross to individuals who save or sustain a life using skills they learned in an American Red Cross Health and Safety Course. The President of the United States signs the certificate.

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