Emergencies rarely come with a warning. They can happen in an instant at a grocery store, a family gathering, a community pool, or even the ocean. When they do, many people freeze, unsure of what to do. But thanks to their Red Cross training, Fullerton Family YMCA lifeguards Ashley Petrella, Sterling Applebaum, and Austin Seibly didn’t hesitate when faced with a life-or-death situation. Their quick thinking and courageous actions saved a life.

The Red Cross of Orange County recently honored Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders. This award, one of the highest given by the Red Cross, recognize individuals who use their Red Cross lifesaving training in real-world emergencies.
 

A Life Saved on the Court

Last November, the three lifeguards were on duty when a YMCA member who was playing pickleball on one of the fitness center’s courts became dizzy. Right away, Ashley and Sterling arrived on the scene and assessed that the man was feeling fatigued and had previously experienced a heart attack. As Ashley and Sterling moved the man off the court, he became unconscious. Amid a potentially life-threatening situation, Ashley and Sterling checked for signs of consciousness but determined that the man had stopped breathing and was unresponsive.  

Immediately, they jumped into action with Ashley administering rescue breaths and Sterling calling for someone nearby to retrieve an AED. Then, Sterling took over administering rescue breaths so that Ashley could begin to perform CPR chest compressions. Austin arrived on the scene and began attaching the AED. Ashley and Sterling delivered two more cycles of CPR, and then the AED delivered a shock. Not long after, a nurse arrived on scene and continued a few more CPR cycles on her own before the man was transferred to a local hospital. As a result of their bravery, these heroic actions helped save the man’s life.  
 

Recognizing True Heroes

For their bravery and skill, Ashley, Sterling and Austin received the Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders, which is the highest award given to an individual, or team of individuals, who saves or sustains a life, outside of a medical setting, as part of their employment or while on duty.  This prestigious certificate was presented at a chapter meeting in May, where their selfless actions were celebrated.
 

Be Ready to Save a Life

Since 1911, the Red Cross has recognized ordinary people who perform extraordinary acts of courage in emergencies. The stories of remind us that knowing what to do in a crisis can mean the difference between life and death.

You can be prepared, too. The Red Cross offers a variety of first aid, CPR, and water safety courses available online, in person, or through blended learning. Take a class today and equip yourself with the skills that could save a life. Visit redcross.org/takeaclass to learn more.
 

Do You Know a Local Hero?

If you know someone who has used Red Cross training to save or sustain a life, nominate them for a Lifesaving Award at LifesavingAwards.org. Their story deserves to be told.