On Friday, May 5th, the Greater Miami and the Keys Chapter of the American Red Cross recognized nurse Bethany Simmons-Little from Community Health of South Florida, Inc. with a Lifesaving Award for using lifesaving skills to save a teacher’s life.  

On February 18th, 2021, Bethany Simmons-Little was called into a classroom where she found a teacher, Ms. Thelwell, unresponsive with no heartbeat. “It is very hard to find yourself in a situation like that,” said Simmons-Little. “The school was counting on me to save this woman’s life.” She quickly began chest compressions while 911 was called. Simmons-Little continued to perform chest compressions for over 15 minutes until help arrived. When the paramedics took over, they were able to revive Ms. Thelwell after using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The responders determined that Ms. Thelwell had suffered a massive heart attack and was admitted to the ICU at Jackson South Hospital. Two years after a successful surgery, Ms. Thelwell continues to recover. “I am so thankful that I can be of help for those at Leisure City K-8 School to keep our next generations well and healthy,” said Simmons-Little. 

Due to the quick actions of this school-based nurse, she was able to save the life of a mother, daughter, friend, and teacher. 

For her incredible act of service and quick actions, Bethany Simmons-Little has been awarded the American Red Cross Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action. This award is bestowed upon individuals who step up during an emergency to alleviate suffering and save or sustain a life. 

Simmons-Little was awarded the Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action during a celebration held at the Leisure City K-8 School attended by colleagues, family, and Red Cross staff. The celebration included a musical performance and a video tribute put together by Leisure City K-8 School staff. During the video, Ms. Thelwell told the crowd that “when someone saves your life, it bonds you forever.”

“We are proud to honor Bethany for her heroic actions. Her quick response and training prepared her for this moment, and we hope others will be inspired to learn the same lifesaving skills,” said Deborah Koch, executive director for the Chapter. “Our community is stronger when we have more people who are trained and ready to act.”

To learn what to do during an emergency, consider taking a First Aid or CPR Course. A variety of online, blended (online and in-person skills session), and classroom courses are also available at redcross.org/takeaclass.

Nominate Someone 

If you know of a local hero in your community or group of individuals who used Red Cross skills or training to save or sustain a life, you can nominate them at LifesavingAwards.org.