Photo by Embry Lopez/American Red Cross
No sooner did Matthew Kitchen complete an emergency preparedness course through his high school, he put his new skills to use. Twice.
His first act of heroism was to assist a woman who had fallen and cut her head. Shortly after that event, Matthew and a friend were swimming at a hotel pool when they saw a toddler floating face down.
Without a second’s thought, Matthew pulled the child from the water and immediately administered Cardiopulminary Resuscitation (CPR).
Hotel staff arrived within minutes, followed by paramedics. Both groups praised Matthew for his speedy response and effective CPR techniques, which they said saved the two-year-old's life.
The toddler was visiting the hotel with his grandparents who had stopped briefly to speak with someone. With their backs turned for only seconds was time enough for their grandson to nearly drown. The grandparents felt supreme gratitude for Matthew's knowledge of CPR and his quick, life-saving actions.
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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 or cruzrojaamericana.org.
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