Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
What: Ceremony recognizing two law enforcement officers for their quick action to save a life using CPR
When: Thursday, June 16, 2022, at 4 p.m.
Where: American Red Cross of Southern Nevada Chapter, 444 E. Warm Springs Rd., Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS (June 13, 2022) — The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada on Thursday is presenting two local police officers with the organization’s Life Saving Award for taking quick action to use CPR to help save the life of a Henderson grandmother who was attending her twin granddaughters’ soccer game.
“Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Officer Brandon Alvarado and Nevada State Police Trooper Charles Abernathy are heroes for their quick and decisive action to save a life,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “I hope their actions will inspire others to learn lifesaving skills.”
In March, Officer Alvarado was off duty coaching a youth soccer game in Henderson when he noticed a woman in distress. His brother-in-law, Trooper Abernathy, also off duty and at the game, rushed to help the woman as well. The grandmother, who was watching her twin granddaughters’ game, lost consciousness and went into cardiac arrest. Abernathy did chest compressions, and Alvarado monitored her breathing until an ambulance arrived and took her to a nearby hospital.
“She was fortunate that her granddaughters’ coach was Officer Alvarado and his brother-in-law, Trooper Abernathy, was also nearby,” Flanigan said. “She only survived because of the fast actions of these two off-duty first responders, and we are honored to present them both with the Red Cross Lifesaving Award.”
Without immediate action, many who suffer sudden cardiac arrest die before getting to a hospital. “Performing CPR can double or even triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival,” Flanigan said.
And extreme summer heat may increase cardiac arrest incidents. “We need more community members who are trained and ready to act,” Flanigan said. “This is an invitation for others to become certified and help us keep the community safe.”
CPR/AED/First Aid training is available now
Take a First Aid and CPR Course online to learn what to do in case emergency help is delayed.
A variety of online, blended (online and in-person skills session), and classroom courses are also available. To learn more and get started, visit redcross.org/takeaclass.
Nominations for the Red Cross Life Saving Award are always open
If you know of a local hero or group of individuals in your community who have used Red Cross skills or training to save or sustain a life, please submit a nomination at LifesavingAwards.org.
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.