Two Bettendorf Family YMCA employees are being honored by the American Red Cross for using their CPR and AED training to help save the life of a member who suffered a cardiac emergency earlier this year.

Raymond Marquez and Brittney Thornton received the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders during a ceremony Monday at the Bettendorf Family YMCA. The award recognizes individuals or teams who save or sustain a life, outside of a medical setting, as part of their employment or while on duty using lifesaving skills and knowledge.

On April 26, 2026, Marquez and Thornton were working at the Bettendorf Family YMCA when they were alerted that a member had suddenly collapsed and was unconscious.

Marquez was the first to arrive and immediately recognized that the member was in cardiac arrest and needed CPR. He directed Thornton to call 911 while he retrieved the automated external defibrillator (AED). As another member began chest compressions, Marquez quickly applied the AED pads. The device advised that a shock was needed, which Marquez delivered before CPR was resumed.

Moments later, the member began gasping for air and regained consciousness. While the member remained disoriented and in distress, Thornton stayed by his side, talking to him, encouraging him to remain awake and keeping him engaged until paramedics arrived and took over care.

Their quick thinking, calm response and ability to work together during a critical emergency helped give the member a chance at survival.

“Emergencies can happen anywhere, and in those critical moments, every second matters,” said Trish Burnett, Executive Director for the Red Cross of the Quad Cities and Northwest Illinois. “Raymond and Brittney stepped forward, relied on their training and worked seamlessly as a team when someone’s life was on the line. Their actions are an incredible example of how being prepared and knowing what to do can make a lifesaving difference.”

The Red Cross also recognized the Bettendorf Family YMCA for its commitment to ensuring its employees are equipped with CPR, AED and First Aid training.

“This recognition is not only about celebrating Raymond and Brittney’s heroic actions,” Burnett said. “It is also a reminder of the importance of preparedness and the lifesaving impact that training can have in our workplaces and communities.”

The Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders is among the highest honors presented by the American Red Cross. It was created to recognize individuals who use Red Cross lifesaving skills and knowledge as part of their day-to-day job responsibilities to save or sustain a life. Recipients may include lifeguards, police officers, firefighters, EMS professionals, EMTs, healthcare professionals and others who respond to emergencies as part of their work.

Red Cross training gives people the knowledge and skills to act in an emergency and potentially save a life. A variety of online, blended (online and in-person skills session) and classroom courses are available at redcross.org/takeaclass.

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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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