San Bernardino, Calif. – October 30, 2019 — SOAR Charter Academy employee Kristin Kraus called on her American Red Cross training to save an instructional aide’s life when she lost consciousness during class instruction. For this heroic and lifesaving action, Kraus received a Certificate of Merit on October 30, 2019.
The Certificate of Merit is the highest award given by the Red Cross to individuals who save or sustain a life using skills learned in a Red Cross Training Services course.
“Kristin’s actions exemplify our mission to help people prepare for and respond to emergencies,” said Yevette Baysinger, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Serving San Bernardino County. “The Red Cross encourages everyone to have CPR and first aid training so they can respond when the need arises. Kristin’s story is an example of how truly lifesaving this training can be.”
On August 23, 2018, a SOAR Charter Academy instructional aide lost consciousness during class instruction. The students alerted the teacher, who called for assistance. Kraus began performing chest compressions while a fellow staff member retrieved the AED. Using the AED and chest compressions, Kraus sustained the instructional aide’s life until paramedics took over, ultimately saving her life.
Red Cross training empowers people with 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.
Please visit redcross.org/dts for more information about the American Red Cross serving San Bernardino County.
About the American Red Cross Desert to the Sea Region
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. The American Red Cross Desert to the Sea Region has proudly served Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties for more than 100 years. For more information, please visit redcross.org/dts or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossDTS or Facebook at facebook.com/RedCrossDTS.
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