Media Contact: Ruby Ramirez
(ATLANTA, Aug. 27, 2021) – The American Red Cross of Georgia presented some of its highest honors to four individuals during a virtual Lifesaving Award ceremony today. Those honored were recognized for their valiant efforts in helping save or sustain another person's life by utilizing a lifesaving skill.
Individuals honored during the virtual presentation included two individuals from metro Atlanta, including former Atlanta Falcon’s player Kroy Biermann, and two other honorees from Savannah.
"We are extremely proud to recognize these everyday heroes for their bravery and taking action when they were needed the most. Each of these people responded quickly and courageously, saving the lives of four members of our Georgia community," said Maria Center Executive Director, Southeast Georgia Chapter American Red Cross.
"They each embody the spirit of the American Red Cross and our mission, and we could not be happier to present each of them with a Lifesaving Award," she continued.
Each recipient attended the ceremony, including their family, friends, as well as American Red Cross chapter executives, staff, and volunteers.
Two individuals were presented with the Certificate of Personal Action, which is awarded to individuals who step up in the face of an emergency and help save or sustain a life.
On Sept. 13, 2020, Kroy Biermann was home with his family when he noticed his son choking on a piece of food. Biermann's 9-year-old son had been enjoying a mozzarella stick when a bit became lodged in his throat, cutting off his air supply. The father of six quickly positioned himself behind his son and began performing abdominal thrusts forcing the piece of food out, allowing his son to be able to breathe again.
On Nov. 3, 2020, Dre Waldron saved the life of a student who started choking at Chatham Academy in Savannah, Ga. Waldron became aware of the situation when he noticed a student banging on a tabletop in distress. He quickly jumped into action and began administering back blows. After several hits to the back, the food became dislodged, saving the student’s life.
Other honorees included Christopher Barksdale who picked up First Aid, CPR, and AED skills from the American Red Cross. These skills came in handy when he came across a woman who fell unconscious on a street in Savannah on Feb. 11, 2021. After falling unconscious, Barksdale and a second individual began administering CPR. After several cycles of this lifesaving procedure, the woman started to respond, and Emergency Medical Services took over to provide further care.
Barksdale was honored with the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders – one of the highest awards given by the American Red Cross. The award is presented to individuals or a team who saves or helps sustain a life by using skills and knowledge learned in a Red Cross Training Services course.
Michael Scheetz of Canton was also honored during the virtual event. Sheetz was at home wrapping up a garden hose on May 24, 2018, when he heard his neighbor calling for help. He bolted quickly to his neighbor's home, where he found his neighbor's daughter clutching her throat.
With the child unable to breathe, Sheetz began to administer back blows to the child. After several, he was able to help the child expel food that became stuck in her throat.
Scheetz, who was trained in American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED and Bloodborne Pathogens, was awarded the Certificate Merit. The honor is granted to individuals who save or sustain a life using skills learned via a Red Cross Training Services course. This action exemplifies the highest degree of concern of one human being for another who is in distress. The certificate bears the signatures of the Honorary Chairman of the Red Cross, the President of the United States, and the Red Cross Chairman Bonnie McElveen-Hunter.
To nominate a person or group to be recognized by the American Red Cross for utilizing a lifesaving skill to help save a life, visit LifesavingAwards.org.
Learn lifesaving skills so you can help people in a crisis until medical professionals arrive. Sign up for a first aid, CPR, or other classes available online or in-person.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on Twitter at @RedCross.