When moments matter, CPR saves lives. During a ceremony on April 10, five Tampa-area high school faculty members were recognized with Red Cross Lifesaving Awards for using their learned skills to save lives on two school campuses.

Michael D. Brown, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Tampa Bay, and Ela Landegger, volunteer and Chair of the Tampa Bay Chapter Board of Directors, presented the awards.

Below are the incidents which could have ended in tragedy without timely intervention -- and heroes who stepped forward to help.

Leto High School

In February of 2024, a student collapsed while running track. Other students immediately alerted Track Coach Lauren Palek, who called for backup as she raced to help. Lauren found the student unresponsive and began CPR. Although she is certified, she said nothing could have prepared her for this emotionally as she credited a 9-1-1 dispatcher for helping to keep her calm. Inside the school, Assistant Principal Scott Hazlett had grabbed an AED and was headed for the track. He too was trained, but had never used the device until now. The AED administered the shock, and CPR continued. For eight long minutes, the student had no pulse and was not breathing. First responders arrived and transported the student to the hospital where he made a full recovery. Thanks to the heroic actions and incredible teamwork of Lauren and Scott, the student is alive today.

Berkeley Preparatory School

In November of 2023, a faculty member suffered a cardiac event while teaching. Students in the classroom – who all learn CPR and AED use as ninth graders -- recognized the emergency and rushed to get the school nurse, Erica Webb, and an AED. The school also uses a communications app which can be employed in an emergency, and with that, fellow faculty members Eddie Bunton and Justin Houston received a notification. When Eddie, a certified CPR instructor, arrived in the classroom, Justin and Erica were already applying care including CPR and use of the AED. As a result of their teamwork, the teacher is alive today, back in school and impacting lives.

Get Trained

Red Cross training gives people the knowledge and skills to act in an emergency to 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 Hero

Nominate an individual or group of individuals who have used lifesaving skills taught by the Red Cross to help save or sustain a life at livesavingawards.org.

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PHOTO CAPTIONS

LEFT: Lifesaving Award recipients Lauren Palek and Scott Hazlett shown with Mike Brown (Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Tampa Bay), Nadia Combs (HCPS Board Member), Gary Brady (HCPS Regional Superintendent) and Ela Landegger (volunteer and Chair of the Tampa Bay Chapter Board of Directors).

RIGHT: Lifesaving Award recipients Erica Webb, Justin Houston and Eddie Bunton shown with Mike Brown (Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Tampa Bay), Nadia Combs (School Board Member), Gary Brady (Regional Superintendent) and Ela Landegger (volunteer and Chair of the Tampa Bay Chapter Board of Directors).