FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Dec. 6, 2019) – The American Red Cross Broward County Chapter recognized Victoria Hill with the Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders for using Red Cross training and skills to save an individual’s life.
On June 21, Hill witnessed a young man enter the deep end of the pool, while playing with friends and become distressed at the Boys & Girls Club of Broward County in North Lauderdale, Fla. The young man attempted to grab a ball for support but suddenly, became submerged in the water. As the primary lifeguard on duty, Hill activated the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and entered the water. She quickly assessed the young man and determined he was unresponsive. While 9-1-1 was called, staff members assisted Hill with extracting the young man from the water and placed him on the pool deck. Hill performed an assessment once more and determined the young man had no pulse. Chest compressions and rescue breaths were immediately initiated by Hill and staff members. After a few cycles of chest compressions, the young man’s pulse returned. Shortly after, Emergency Medical Responders arrived and transported the young man to the hospital for further treatment.
For Hill’s heroic and lifesaving action, she was presented with a Red Cross Lifesaving Award during a ceremony at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County in West Park, Fla.
This award is given by the Red Cross to individuals or group of individuals who save or sustain a life as part of their employment or while on duty and had an obligation to respond using skills learned in a Red Cross Training Services course. In addition, the certificate bears the signature of the President and CEO of the American Red Cross, and the signature of the chairman of the American Red Cross.
Red Cross staff and volunteers gathered to recognize and honor Hill for her quick and exceptional action.
“We are honored to recognize Hill for her willingness to help others in distress, an action that exemplifies the mission of the Red Cross,” said Paula Prendergast, executive director for the Broward County Chapter.
Red Cross training gives people 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.
Nominate Someone
People can go to LifesavingAwards.org to nominate and recognize an individual or group of individuals who have used the skills and knowledge learned in an American Red Cross Training Services course to help save or sustain a life.
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 and Twitter at @SFLRedCross.
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