LOS ANGELES, December 12, 2025 — On April 27, 2025, Ashley Zavala and Joshua Hale called on their American Red Cross training in Lifeguarding with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid to save the life of a choking man at the California Poppy Festival. For this heroic and lifesaving action, Zavala and Hale today received the Red Cross Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders in a ceremony at Lancaster City Hall, Lancaster, CA.

The Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders is the highest honor given by the Red Cross to individuals who save or sustain a life using skills learned in a Red Cross Training Services course.

“We’re extremely proud to present a Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders to Ashley Zavala and Joshua Hale,” said Jayson Buckley, Executive Director, Northern Valleys. “Their actions exemplify our mission to help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.”

The Incident:
While working at the First Aid tent during the California Poppy Festival at Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, Zavala and Hale were alerted by the victim’s daughter that her father was choking and unable to speak. Zavala immediately responded, called on-site 911/AMR, and performed a cycle of back blows and abdominal thrusts. Hale arrived with a trauma bag and continued care with additional cycles until the man’s airway cleared and he began breathing on his own. Fire Department and AMR arrived shortly after, and no further care was needed.

About the Recipients:
Ashley Zavala and Joshua Hale are senior lifeguards in Lancaster, CA, trained in Lifeguarding (including deep water) with CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and First Aid. Both completed their Red Cross certification in June 2024.

Red Cross training gives people the knowledge and skills to act in an emergency and save a life. A variety of online, blended (online and in-person skills session), and classroom courses are available at redcross.org/takeaclass.

If you or someone you know has used skills and knowledge learned in an American Red Cross Training Services course to help save or sustain the life of another individual, visit LifesavingAwards.org to nominate, recognize, or be inspired.

Explore highlights from the ceremony in our photo gallery here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCDzkM

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 or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

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