A driver experiencing a seizure, a swimmer temporarily paralyzed in the ocean and a golfer experiencing a cardiac arrest, three separate harrowing medical emergencies all with one item in common: Good Samaritans stepping up to help.

For heroic and lifesaving actions, Heather Sullivan, Brendan Bligh, Tiago Julien of San Diego County along with Eric Poindexter of San Bernardino County, were presented with the Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action through the American Red Cross Lifesaving Awards program.

“The Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action is given to individuals who step up in an emergency situation and help save or sustain a life,” said Sean Mahoney, Regional CEO of the American Red Cross Southern California Region. “These individuals exemplify the mission of the Red Cross to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.”

Medical Emergency in Moving Vehicle
In February, Heather Sullivan of San Diego County demonstrated extraordinary courage and composure when her husband, Kevin, suffered a sudden seizure while driving—a medical emergency later linked to an undiagnosed brain tumor. With the vehicle out of control, Heather Sullivan and Brendan Bligh, an off-duty law enforcement officer who spotted the vehicle and quickly intervened, managed to safely steer and stop the vehicle.

While the seizure was still ongoing, Heather and Brendan ensured Kevin remained in a stable and secure position. They prevented him from falling, kept his airway clear, and made sure he did not inadvertently press the gas pedal. Throughout the medical emergency, they provided calm reassurance to Kevin and the children in the backseat, maintaining a composed environment until emergency responders arrived. Their swift, selfless actions exemplify the highest standards of lifesaving care and compassion, making them true heroes.

Local Youth Assists with Ocean Rescue
Last June, San Diego County resident Michael Julien was enjoying a day at Stonesteps Beach and watching his son Tiago and friend Kia swim in the ocean. What began as a peaceful day at the beach quickly turned into a life-threatening emergency.

Tiago noticed a man floating nearby who had been body surfing when he struck his head on a sandbar, sustaining a serious spinal injury. Temporarily paralyzed, Paul drifted helplessly in the water, unable to move his arms or legs. He was pale, bleeding, and could barely speak. He managed to whisper one word: “Help.”

Without hesitation, Tiago grabbed Paul’s hand and began pulling him toward shore while signaling for help. Michael and Kia’s dad saw Tiago’s signals and rushed into the water. Together, they pulled Paul safely onto the sand and stabilized him, ensuring he remained still until emergency responders arrived.

Thanks to their swift and selfless actions, Paul received immediate care from Encinitas Lifeguards and was transported to a hospital. He made a full recovery in the weeks that followed. The injury he sustained—commonly referred to as a “stinger”—could have had far more serious consequences if not for the bravery and calm response of Tiago.

Saving a Life Off-Duty
On Memorial Day, while enjoying a round of golf with friends, Eric Poindexter of the San Bernardino County Probation Department didn’t expect to save a life. But when a bystander called out for help, Eric didn’t hesitate.

He found an unresponsive man with a group of onlookers not sure how to respond. Eric intervened and discovered that the man had no pulse and he immediately began CPR. Though many thought the man had revived, Eric recognized the signs of agonal breathing—a critical indicator of cardiac arrest. He continued CPR until emergency responders arrived.

Thanks to Eric’s training, quick action, and commitment, the man survived.

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 a Lifesaver
The American Red Cross Lifesaving Awards, since 1911, have recognized those who in a time of an emergency use their lifesaving skills or knowledge to save or sustain a life. The program evolved from one standalone award, into three, starting in 1928 with the Certificate of Merit; the Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders and Healthcare Professionals; and the Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action. All the awards and their recipients embody the spirit of the Red Cross, by using action to help alleviate human suffering in the face of an emergency.

Members of the community 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 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, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.