FORT MYERS, Fla. (August 2, 2019) – On Thursday, Aug. 1, the American Red Cross Southern Gulf Chapter recognized Thomas Sentner for using Red Cross life-saving skills to save an individual’s life. He was presented with an award at the Chapter’s monthly volunteer dinner.

Last year in September, Sentner was deployed to Wilmington, N.C., as a Disaster Health Services volunteer to assist residents in a shelter impacted by Hurricane Florence. At the shelter, he provided care to individuals that needed additional medical assistance throughout the night.

On September 27, 2018, an individual loss consciousness and Sentner quickly identified signs and symptoms of a suspected opioid overdose. With his fast thinking and timely response, Sentner administered two doses of Naloxone to save the individual’s life. As a result, the individual quickly regained consciousness.

For Sentner’s heroic and lifesaving action, he was presented with the Red Cross Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action in a ceremony at the Red Cross Chapter office in Fort Myers, Fla.

This certificate is given to individuals like Sentner who step up during an emergency and help save or sustain a life.

“Volunteers are vital to our mission at the Red Cross. In this situation, Thomas’ actions as a volunteer saved our shelter client. We are grateful for his service and dedication,” said Jill Palmer, executive director for the chapter. “Volunteers bring comfort and hope to those impacted by a disaster.”

Red Cross staff and volunteers gathered to recognize and honor Sentner for his quick and exceptional action.

Sentner is an EMT volunteer with the chapter’s Disaster Health Services Department.

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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