EMERYVILLE, Calif. — The American Red Cross proudly recognized Edward Kuan, age 17, with the Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action for his heroic response during a medical emergency at his family’s home.

Edward was in the shower when his younger brother ran to him from the kitchen, shouting that their father had collapsed. Edward immediately jumped into action, finding his father unresponsive on the floor in front of Edward’s two younger brothers, ages 8 and 10. Drawing on CPR skills he learned through a lifeguarding course, Edward began CPR without hesitation.

Edward called 9-1-1 and then contacted his mother, who was out of town, while continuing CPR and following instructions from the emergency dispatcher. He remained calm and focused for five to ten minutes until fire department personnel arrived. First responders continued lifesaving efforts using a LUCAS device, delivering consistent chest compressions for nearly 45 minutes before transporting Edward’s father to the hospital. Although his father was initially unresponsive and the prognosis was poor, he ultimately survived and recovered, thanks in large part to Edward’s immediate and confident actions, who was just 15 years old at the time.

“To remain that calm and decisive in an emergency, especially when it involves your own family — is truly extraordinary,” said Justin Mueller, Chief Executive Officer for the Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region, who presented the award. “Edward’s actions embody the Red Cross mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in times of crisis, and they remind us that lifesaving training empowers everyday people, including young people, to act when every second matters.”

The American Red Cross Lifesaving Awards date back to 1911, when an anonymous donor pledged $5,000 to recognize exceptional acts of first aid. More than a century later, the program continues to honor individuals like Edward who step up in moments of crisis to save lives and exemplify courage, compassion and preparedness. In the past decade alone, the Red Cross has recognized more than 3,500 individuals worldwide whose actions have helped save nearly 2,000 lives.

Edward was nominated for the award by Christy Trombley, whose nomination helped ensure his heroic actions were recognized. 

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 Somone

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.