SAN JOSE, Calif., March 18, 2022 — Lifeguards Tristan Hsieh and Rylan Phan called on their American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED training in San Jose, Calif. when a youth at their workplace suffered a drowning incident last year. For their heroic and lifesaving actions, Hsieh and Phan received the Red Cross Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders in a virtual Red Cross ceremony on March 17, 2022. 

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

“Tristan and Rylan are extraordinary heroes and we’re proud to present them with the Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders,” said Ken Toren, CEO for the Silicon Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. “They embody the spirit of the Red Cross, and it is our hope that their actions inspire others to get trained in skills that save lives.”

In October 2021, Hsieh and Phan were lifeguards on duty when they were informed that a young individual had suffered a drowning incident in the outdoor swimming area. They rushed to the scene and immediately called out for an AED and for someone to call 911. They performed an assessment on the individual in distress, determined lifesaving measures were needed, and began to perform CPR until first responders arrived.

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 of the Silicon Valley
With a local office in San Jose, 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, visit our website at redcross.org/siliconvalley or call us at (877) 727 6771. You may also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

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