Athletic trainer Ariel Castro, from Ganesha High School in Pomona, showcased her life-saving skills when head coach Don Cayer collapsed during the final moments of a high school football game.

Drawing upon her Red Cross CPR training and American Heart Association instruction, Ariel sprang into action.Activating the team's emergency action plan, Ariel called for the AED and coordinated with others to summon emergency services. Ariel remained composed and focused, continuing CPR until paramedics arrived.

Upon their arrival, EMTs applied the AED and administered chest compressions, ultimately restoring Coach Cayer's breathing.Thanks to Ariel's quick thinking and skillful intervention, Coach Cayer survived what was diagnosed as a heart attack. He was transported to the hospital for further treatment and has been steadily recovering since.

Ariel's heroism serves as a testament to the importance of CPR training and emergency preparedness. Her swift actions and unwavering dedication undoubtedly played a crucial role in saving Coach Cayer's life.

15-year-old Madison Atkinson demonstrated remarkable courage and quick thinking when she used her CPR training to save her 3-year-old family member from drowning on Thanksgiving. When the child was found floating face down in the pool by her uncle, Madison sprang into action.

Without hesitation, Madison began administering CPR, guided by the skills she had learned in a sports medicine class. Despite the dire situation, Madison remained composed and focused, tirelessly performing chest compressions until Maxine showed signs of recovery.

The child’s mother, Kirsten Atkinson, described the terrifying moment when her daughter Maxine appeared lifeless, highlighting Madison's unwavering efforts in reviving her.

Thanks to Madison's swift and effective intervention, Maxine regained consciousness and started breathing again, a moment of relief and gratitude for the entire family. Madison's heroic actions serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of CPR training and the potential to save lives in moments of crisis. Her bravery and ability to remain calm under pressure exemplify the qualities of a true hero, earning her immense admiration and gratitude from her family and community.

Raheem and Nicole Morris, vacationing with their three children in Las Vegas, found themselves in a harrowing situation by the pool when a child was pulled out, seemingly lifeless. Acting swiftly, Raheem's recent CPR and AED training kicked in as he rallied to locate the AED.  

The child was blue as the lifeguard started CPR, at which point another bystander, Dr. Andrew Oleksyn, stepped in and took over chest compressions. Once Raheem located and delivered the AED, Nicole opened it and handed it over to Dr. Oleksyn who began administering the AED process. 

Once medical attention was underway, Nicole took charge of ensuring the safety and comfort of the distressed child’s siblings. With the victim’s parents distraught and distracted, Nicole managed to organize care until the children's nanny arrived, exemplifying quick thinking and compassion amidst chaos.

After the situation stabilized, Nicole continued her care by reaching out to the child's mother, providing support and assistance beyond the immediate crisis. She ensured continuity of care by obtaining important information about allergies and other pertinent details.

The Morris’ compassion extended beyond the initial crisis as they took in the children for the evening, providing comfort and sustenance with a pizza dinner. Meanwhile, Raheem's gesture to procure diapers for the children demonstrated their commitment to going above and beyond to assist those in need.

The following day, they were joyously reunited with Wyatt, the child they helped save, and his grateful family. The experience not only highlighted the importance of CPR and AED training but also showcased the power of swift action, compassion, and community support in times of crisis.

Retired Officer Jorge Grajeda found himself in a critical moment during his Labor Day weekend at the Palm Club Pool in Irvine when he spotted Reverend Rudy Paniagua's efforts to rescue a child from drowning.

Springing into action, Grajeda assessed the situation and recognized the severity of the boy’s condition. Pale and frothing at the mouth, the child had no pulse. Without hesitation, Grajeda initiated CPR while coordinating with others to alert emergency services and guide paramedics to their location.For several tense minutes, Grajeda tirelessly performed CPR on Jared, the little boy, never faltering in his efforts to revive him. His quick thinking and skilled intervention proved vital as Jared regained consciousness before the paramedics arrived.

Thanks to Grajeda's decisive actions, Jared received timely medical attention and was transported to the hospital, where he was expected to make a full recovery. Grajeda's unwavering commitment to saving a life exemplifies the selflessness and courage ingrained in his years of service as a law enforcement officer.

Retired Officer Jorge Grajeda found himself in a critical moment during his Labor Day weekend at the Palm Club Pool in Irvine when he spotted Reverend Rudy Paniagua's efforts to rescue a child from drowning.

Springing into action, Grajeda assessed the situation and recognized the severity of the boy’s condition. Pale and frothing at the mouth, the child had no pulse. Without hesitation, Grajeda initiated CPR while coordinating with others to alert emergency services and guide paramedics to their location.For several tense minutes, Grajeda tirelessly performed CPR on Jared, the little boy, never faltering in his efforts to revive him. His quick thinking and skilled intervention proved vital as Jared regained consciousness before the paramedics arrived.

Thanks to Grajeda's decisive actions, Jared received timely medical attention and was transported to the hospital, where he was expected to make a full recovery. Grajeda's unwavering commitment to saving a life exemplifies the selflessness and courage ingrained in his years of service as a law enforcement officer.

American Red Cross volunteers Vesta Sung and her daughter Nathalie Sung found themselves thrust into action while vacationing on Maui, when the island's deadliest wildfire in a century erupted. Seeking refuge amidst 90 mph wind gusts, they witnessed the fire's ferocity, enduring hours of uncertainty before finding safety at a Red Cross shelter at Maui High School, filled with over 1,200 evacuees.

Without a second thought, the two put their vacation aside; Vesta stepped up as the overall Shelter Manager to help organize the influx of people and their urgent needs. Nathalie, a soon-to-be graduate from Cal Poly Pomona, utilized her Red Cross training to organize the overwhelmed dormitory, setting up bedding, arranging sleeping areas and distributing essential supplies to displaced residents and tourists. Nathalie's leadership was quickly recognized, and she was appointed dormitory lead within days.

Amidst heartbreaking burns and stories of loss and uncertainty, Vesta and Nathalie remained resilient, providing comfort and support to hundreds of people affected by the tragic event. Before returning home to California, mother and daughter were honored by local officials for their hard work and compassion, leaving behind a legacy of service and community.

Officers Cody MacArthur and Nicolas Chacon demonstrated extraordinary bravery and selflessness during a harrowing incident on their way home from a grueling 14-hour shift. Witnessing a vehicle veer off the freeway and burst into flames, they immediately sprang into action.

Upon arrival, they encountered a male emerging from the burning wreckage clutching a small infant, with other family members still trapped inside. Assessing the situation with split-second decision-making, MacArthur and Chacon prioritized rescuing the children.

With immense courage, Chacon utilized his pocketknife to free a four-year-old from her seatbelt, while MacArthur swiftly extracted her from the inferno. Instructing the nine-year-old to escape, they led the children to safety.

Despite the intense heat and danger, they returned to the burning vehicle for another rescue. Joined by Patrol Officers Mario Lemus and Gabriel Rebolledo, they attempted a daring rescue, using fire extinguishers to fend off the flames.

Their efforts were valiant, but the ferocity of the fire proved insurmountable, forcing them to retreat. Tragically, they could not save the last vehicle occupant.

In the face of extreme peril, these officers exemplified courage and heroism, risking their lives to save others. Their unwavering dedication to duty and unwavering commitment to protecting their community stands as a testament to their valor and compassion. 

Dr. Ryan Chiu, a cardiac surgeon, found himself in an unexpected life-saving scenario while leaving brunch at the Long Beach Art Museum. Witnessing Tuan Pham collapse nearby, he rushed to assist, initially assuming fatigue as the cause. Quickly realizing the severity, Dr. Chiu performed chest compressions until an ambulance arrived. Coordinating with first responders and Long Beach Memorial, he ensured swift medical intervention.

At the hospital, it was revealed that Pham suffered from severe coronary disease. Dr. Chiu performed a successful triple bypass surgery, facilitating Pham's recovery. 

Pham, an avid runner, continues his rehabilitation journey, supported by Dr. Chiu and the medical team. He remains unwavering in his resolve to overcome challenges and pursue his passion for running. Through their shared experience, Dr. Chiu and Pham exemplify the power of perseverance and the importance of community support in overcoming adversity. 

Lynda Palmer's dedication to serving others shines through her work as a volunteer with the Red Cross LA Region's Service to the Armed Forces. The program offers support services to active-duty military, veterans, and their families, ranging from emergency communications to financial and referral assistance.

Enlisting in the Army in 1973, Lynda's Armed Forces journey began at a time when the military wasn't coed. Joining the Women’s Army Corps, Lynda served as an Orthopedic Technician at Darnell Army Medical Center in Texas, where she provided compassionate care to thousands of service members, including those returning from Vietnam. Her dedication to offering them the welcome and care they deserved made her work immensely rewarding.

Drawing upon her military experience, Lynda has been a steadfast supporter of the Red Cross for over three decades, finding fulfillment in making meaningful connections. One of her favorite shifts is supporting incoming service members at the Military Entrance Processing Station in El Segundo, where her kind smile and understanding ear provide comfort to potential recruits.

Through her unwavering commitment and compassion, Lynda continues to make a profound difference in the lives of others, embodying the spirit of service and support.

A routine afternoon for crossing guard Eduardo Villalpando turned into a nightmare, when a two-car collision caused one of the vehicles to jump the curb of the intersection and careen into the guard, causing life-threatening injuries.

Witnesses Victor Montes and Nabeel Karadsheh from Superfine Auto Spa Car Wash acted swiftly. Victor improvised a tourniquet while Nabeel dialed 9-1-1, providing crucial aid to Eduardo in the critical moments after the collision.

Deputy Sheriff Garlitz arrived, further aiding Eduardo with medical assistance from his patrol vehicle's trauma kit. Eduardo, facing traumatic injuries, was swiftly taken to the hospital by paramedics.

Though Eduardo endured significant harm, he is now on the path to recovery, thanks to the quick and effective actions of Victor, Nabeel, and Deputy Sheriff Garlitz. The team’s swift response ensured Eduardo received vital care before emergency services arrived.

This story of heroism highlights the importance of community readiness and swift action in a crisis. The selfless actions of those who aided Eduardo serve as a beacon of bravery and compassion in adversity.