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Red Cross Certificate of Merit presented for using training skills to save a life
SAN FRANCISCO, CA — For heroic actions that resulted in a life saved 18 months ago, a local resident was honored with American Red Cross commendations on Tuesday, January 12, in a virtual ceremony hosted by the organization's Bay Area Chapter.
Scarlett Pearson received a “merit” award for using Red Cross training skills to save the life of a man who lost consciousness while swimming at Golden Bear Recreation Center in Berkeley, CA.
“The Certificate of Merit is the highest award given by the Red Cross to individuals who save or sustain a life using skills learned in a Red Cross Training Services course,” said Jennifer Adrio, Regional CEO, American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region. “We’re extremely proud to present this award to Scarlett. Her actions exemplify our mission to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.”
On July 26, 2019, Scarlett Pearson was wrapping up a class at the gym when a patron alerted her that a man had become passive in the water. When Scarlett arrived poolside, the lifeguard had begun chest compressions while another was obtaining the nearby AED (automated external defibrillator). Scarlett joined the response by performing rescue breaths and relieved one of the guards to perform chest compressions. After two shocks from the AED and several cycles of CPR, Emergency Medical Services arrived and took over.
Scarlett trained with the American Red Cross to certify in Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED. There is no question that the skills she learned in the Red Cross Training Services course helped save a human life.
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.
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, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.