When co-workers Jennifer Hardwick and Troy Rogge took Red Cross CPR and AED training just a few months ago, they never imagined they’d use those skills to help save a friend’s life.

In March, while attending a funeral in Helena, Dan Douglas Sr. suddenly collapsed at the back of the room. Troy and Jennifer, who are friends with Dan, rushed to his side. Dan was helped into a chair and appeared to be OK, but moments later he collapsed again. This time, he was unconscious, had no pulse and wasn’t breathing.

Troy and Jennifer sprang into action. They immediately began CPR and used an AED -- a portable device that checks the heart’s rhythm and can deliver a shock to help restart a heart  -- while others called 9-1-1.

A short time later, Dan regained consciousness. He was rushed to the hospital, where the ER doctor confirmed that without Jennifer and Troy’s swift action and training, Dan might not be alive today.

“They were calm enough to do what was needed to be done,” Dan said. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them.”

The lifesaving skills Jennifer and Troy used that day can be attributed to Bryan Sandrock, owner of Drae’s Casino and two other Helena-area casinos. Bryan had arranged for all his employees – including Troy and Jennifer -- to complete Red Cross CPR, AED and first-aid training, including trauma response and tourniquet instruction. He also equipped each casino with an AED.

That decision was shaped by another serious medical issue Dan had years earlier.

“I had a heart attack three years ago and was on a ventilator for a week,” he said. “Bryan was insistent on all of his people getting CPR training because of that.”

Jennifer said she was thankful she knew what to do when the time came.

 “I’m grateful I was there and able to help someone I consider family,” she said. “It was overwhelming, but it felt good to know that I was capable, and I’m grateful I could help someone.”

Their co-workers and leaders share that pride.

“They were calm, confident, and they knew exactly what to do,” said Mayme Folio, who nominated Troy and Jennifer for an American Red Cross Lifesaving award.

During an Oct. 22 ceremony at Drae’s Casino, Montana Executive Director Hannah Zuraff and Board Chair Craig Stahlberg presented Troy and Jennifer with the Red Cross Certificate of Merit, one of the organization’s highest honors.

“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what you did,” Dan told Troy and Jennifer after they received the award. “I wouldn’t be here today if you guys hadn’t done what you did. My kids and my grandkids still have their have their dad because of you. And for that you have my gratitude and my love.”

That courage, said Vince Secor, the instructor who trained the team, is what being Red Cross ready is all about.

“Being prepared means you’re empowered to help,” Vince said. “I encourage people to get training because this is the result — you have someone who is here today because of that.”

LEARN LIFESAVING SKILLS

Red Cross offers a wide range of health and safety classes from CPR and first aid to swimming safety and babysitting training. Learn more and sign up for a class today at redcross.org/takeaclass.