By Christine Welch, American Red Cross

The American Red Cross has awarded Marine Corporal Eduardo Garcia Lopez the prestigious Lifesaving Award Certificate of Merit, the organization’s highest honor for individuals who use Red Cross training to save or sustain a life. Corporal Garcia Lopez earned this recognition for his extraordinary courage and decisive action during a life-threatening emergency on the night of July 23, 2024.

At approximately 11:30 p.m., while at his apartment complex, Corporal Garcia Lopez was jolted awake by frantic cries for help echoing through the hallway. Without hesitation, he rushed from his home and encountered a terrified mother clutching her infant, who appeared limp, unresponsive and showing no signs of life.

Drawing on his training, Corporal Garcia Lopez immediately took control of the situation with remarkable calmness and clarity. He quickly assessed the infant’s condition and began administering infant CPR, performing lifesaving interventions with precision and composure under immense pressure. His persistence paid off, and within minutes, the infant began breathing independently again.

As Corporal Garcia Lopez continued to monitor the child and provide critical care, bystanders contacted emergency medical services, who arrived soon after to take over treatment.

The Red Cross recognized Corporal Garcia Lopez for actions that demonstrated not only technical skill, but also exceptional bravery, presence of mind and selflessness. His rapid response directly contributed to saving a child’s life, a testament to his commitment to service both in and out of uniform.

“Corporal Garcia Lopez’s lifesaving actions exemplify the very best qualities of a community hero,” said Dan Beighley, Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces and International Services Director, Southern California Region. “His courage, compassion and readiness to act reflect the values we strive to honor with the Certificate of Merit.”

Corporal Garcia Lopez’s heroic efforts stand as a powerful reminder of the impact one trained and prepared individual can have in a moment of crisis.

About American Red Cross Training Services  

The national Lifesaving Awards Program is an American Red Cross Training Services program that recognizes and honors those who save or sustain a life using first aid skills.

Immediate CPR can triple the chance of survival, and survival chances decrease by 10% for every minute that immediate CPR and use of an AED is delayed.

American Red Cross Training Services teaches lifesaving skills to an average of more than 9 million people each year, including thousands of individuals in our Southern California region. The ultimate goal of all training is that, when needed, it can be successfully put into action. For additional information, visit redcross.org/TakeAClass.