More than 50 years ago, when Keith Bailey completed Red Cross lifeguard training, he never imagined it would one day help him save a man's life on the side of a mountain. But that's exactly what happened when he came across an unconscious skier on Baldy Mountain near Sun Valley and sprang into action.

A resident of Ketchum, Keith recently renewed his Red Cross lifeguard certification after learning the community needed additional lifeguards to help keep the local pool open. That training would soon prove invaluable.

As Keith and a group of friends skied down Baldy Mountain earlier this year, they came across a man lying motionless on the slope. Keith quickly assessed the situation, determined the man had no pulse and immediately began CPR while another bystander called ski patrol.

As the rescue effort continued and Keith grew tired, a nurse who was also trained in CPR stepped in to help. Together, they alternated chest compressions until ski patrol arrived and took over care.

The skier was later transported to a hospital, where medical teams were able to restore his heart rhythm. Keith eventually learned the man was expected to make a recovery.

Keith credits his ability to respond calmly in the moment to his training.

"I think because of training, you just start executing what you know you have to do," he said. "You're so focused on the moment."

Only later did the significance of what had happened begin to sink in.

"For me, it's more the anxiety comes after," Keith said.

Remarkably, this was not the first time Keith's Red Cross training helped save a life. Years ago, he responded when a man was pulled unconscious from a swimming pool in Idaho Falls. Keith and others performed CPR until emergency responders arrived, and the man survived.

Looking back on both incidents, Keith sees the value of being prepared.

"My Red Cross training paid off back then and then paid off again this time," he said.

For his actions on the ski hill, Keith was awarded the American Red Cross Certificate of Merit, one of the organization's highest lifesaving honors. The award recognizes individuals who use lifesaving skills and personal courage to help save a life. He was honored recently at an Idaho Red Cross board meeting, and later this month, the team at the Wood River YMCA will recognize Keith.

Keith is quick to turn the focus away from himself and toward the importance of having the tools to respond when it’s needed most.

"People should get CPR training," he said. "It's very important."

When asked what it feels like to help save a life, his answer was characteristically humble.

"It feels like you did your job," Keith said. "You're glad you could help.”

IT'S YOUR TURN

Want to learn lifesaving skills like CPR or first aid? Visit redcross.org/takeaclass to sign up for a Red Cross class.