On a rainy Monday morning, John Hawley arrived at the American Red Cross office in Commerce around 7:30 a.m. He noticed a man working with power tools and soon established the worker, Ralph, was there on behalf of the property owner. John couldn't help but feel a sense of apprehensive for Ralph, given the less-than-ideal work conditions that day. 

20 minutes later someone started rattling the locked front door, calling-out “hello!” which startled everyone in the office, including John's co-workers Amanda Morita and Lydia Hoffman. John went to answer the door, and while he didn't find anyone at the door, he came upon large pools of fresh blood. 

Reacting quickly, John asked Lydia to call 911 and for Amanda to grab gloves, a chair, and the first-aid kit. They ran out and found the worker, Ralph, had accidentally cut across the back of his hand near the wrist while operating a circular saw. 

John and Amanda helped Ralph into the chair and then worked as a team to bandage the wound while maintaining pressure. These actions continued until the ambulance arrived and EMT's could continue with medical treatment.  

A few days later the team learned, to their relief and joy, that Ralph was recuperating and would soon be leaving the hospital, thanks in large part to the trio's quick actions and courage.

Join us May 16 to celebrate our 2024 Heroes. Click here for event information.

About the American Red Cross: 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/la.