Media Contact: Martin Gagliano
Telephone: (669) 209-5266
nccrpublicaffairs@redcross.org

Honorees were presented with the Red Cross Certificate of Merit and Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Actions for their heroic efforts

San Francisco, CA. June 27, 2024 —The American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region honored two San Francisco residents this week:  Rachel Heller, a nurse, received the Red Cross Certificate of Merit and Rishi Leung, 16 years of age, received the Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Actions, both presented for their heroic efforts to save or sustain a life.

“We are celebrating the incredible acts of heroism displayed by Rachel and Rishi, actions that remind us of the Red Cross's core mission: to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies,” said Hanna Malak, CEO for the American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region. “Their courage and willingness to help others have made a profound impact, not just on their lives, but of their families, our community and beyond.”

In July 2023, Rachel Heller, who is a nurse, was working with a colleague walking to grab lunch near Van Ness Avenue, in San Francisco. As they were at a light crossing, they looked to their left and spotted a man on the ground surrounded by several spectators and what looked like someone attempting chest compressions. Rachel had recently left her job in a Cardiac ICU where she had worked for several years, without second thought said, "Let's go help." Rachel immediately jumped into continuing chest compressions until first responders arrived on scene.

In December 2023, Rishi Leung bought dinner over to his grandmother and left her to eat. He returned just a few minutes later to find her choking and about to pass out. He quickly assessed the situation, and started to perform abdominal thrusts until the food came up. Rishi was able to call 911 while keeping his grandmother safe and remained close. He stuck by her side throughout the ambulance ride to the hospital, which was extra comforting since she did not speak English and was overwhelmed by the situation. Rishi, at just 16 years of age, was able to manage all of this with a calm and level-headed response.

The American Red Cross Lifesaving Awards have a storied history that dates back to 1911. Since its inception, this program has been dedicated to recognizing individuals who, like Rachel and Rishi, use their lifesaving skills or knowledge to make a difference during emergencies. Over the years, this program has evolved to include three distinct awards: The Certificate of Merit, The Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action, and The Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders and Healthcare Professionals.

The Certificate of Merit, the oldest of the Lifesaving Awards, was established in 1911 and evolved in 1928 to provide a more fitting and lasting recognition to a larger circle of nominees. This award is bestowed upon Red Cross trained individuals who have no obligation to respond to an emergency but do so anyway.   The award recipients in its 100+ year span have been lifeguards, police, firefighters, and everyday citizens. The Certificate of Merit has borne the signatures of 17 Presidents of the United States, including the current President, Joseph R. Biden Jr.

The Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action is given to individuals who step up in an emergency and help save or sustain a life. These individuals exemplify the mission of the Red Cross to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies and are to be commended for their willingness to help others in distress.

Get Trained 

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

Nominate Someone

People can visit LifesavingAwards.org to nominate and recognize an individual or group of individuals who have used the skills and knowledge learned in an American Red Cross Training Services course to help save or sustain a life. 

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org.