JUPITER, FLA. (July 27, 2023) – On Tuesday, July 25, the Palm Beach and Treasure Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross recognized Jair (Alex) Cruz from Royal Café with a Lifesaving Award for using lifesaving skills to save a life. 

Emergencies can happen at any time: in the grocery store, at a family gathering, at the community pool, or even at your own home or office. But regardless of when and where they occur, emergency situations usually have one thing in common: a crowd of people standing around, watching someone in distress—wondering who should act and trying to remember what to do.

On February 22, 2023, Cruz, a waiter at the Royal Cafe in Jupiter, was told that a customer was in the hallway on his knees choking and gasping for air. Cruz lifted the victim and performed the Heimlich Maneuver, until the victim aspirated and the substance in his throat was ejected. Cruz remained by his side until the victim was ok. A police officer arrived and spoke to the victim. 

When recalling the incident, Royal Cafe owner Rick Biederwolf explained, "I took Psychology 101 in college as a senior, and they say emergencies happen, but the problem is most people don't recognize when an emergency is an emergency.” After commenting how Mr. Cruz not only immediately recognized the seriousness of the situation, but was also able to take action, Biederwolf said, “That's just who he [Cruz] is [and] we love and appreciate him."

Due to the quick actions of Cruz, he was able to save a life. For his incredible act of service and quick actions, Cruz has been awarded the American Red Cross Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action. This award is bestowed upon individuals who step up during a time of emergency to alleviate suffering and save or sustain a life.

The recipient was awarded the Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action during a ceremony at the restaurant where the lifesaving event occurred. The Royal Cafe was full of people who turned out to thank Cruz and honor his bravery to help a stranger in need. In addition to Red Cross staff, the Palm Beach and Treasure Coast Board Chair, Sarah Martin, was on hand to present the award certificate and Lifesaving Award pin. 

“During the last 12 months, the American Red Cross Palm Beach and Treasure Coast Chapter has taught lifesaving courses to more than 17 thousand people. That is significant since those people now have the knowledge to take action during an emergency and potentially save a life in our community, just like Mr. Cruz,” said Eric Roby, Executive Director. “In addition to knowledge, it also requires a strong dose of bravery for someone to step forward and help a stranger or even a loved one during an emergency. That’s why it’s important for us at the American Red Cross to recognize people who take action and save a life when possible. Because of Mr. Cruz’s bravery, a restaurant patron who was choking was able to recover and return home to his family.”  

Take a First Aid and CPR Course online to learn what to do in case emergency help is delayed. 

A variety of online, blended (online and in-person skills session), and classroom courses are also available. To learn more and get started, visit 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. 

About the American Red Cross:  
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. For more information, please visit redcross.org/southflorida or visit us on Facebook or Twitter at @SFLRedCross.