What began as an ordinary day on the court became a defining moment teamwork and leadership for five Locust Valley High School coaches. When a student suffered a sudden cardiac emergency during practice on November 17, 2025, the coaches acted without hesitation, delivering lifesaving intervention that would prove crucial in the moments before first responders arrived. Their heroic actions were recognized by the American Red Cross with a Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders.

During the ceremony, held at the Locust Valley Central School District’s Central Office Building, American Red Cross on Long Island CEO Jose Dominguez praised the coaches - Ben Martinez, Andrew Siegel, Brian LoRusso, Andrew Bock, and Elliot Aramayo - for their lifesaving response, noting that “every decision, every moment, and every act of calm under pressure was essential.”

He emphasized that their actions exemplified the highest standards of emergency preparedness and compassion, adding that “heroes walk among us every day—and sometimes they wear whistles around their necks.”

The American Red Cross Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders is the highest recognition the Red Cross gives to individuals who use Red Cross training to save or sustain a life. This award, established in the 1980s, celebrates everyday heroes who apply lifesaving skills as part of their professional roles.

The incident occurred during an athletic practice when senior Francesco, suddenly collapsed near the main court outside the boys’ locker room. Coach Martinez, the closest adult to the student, immediately ran to his side and began assessing his condition, checking for responsiveness, breathing, and a pulse. Although the student initially appeared to be breathing, his condition deteriorated rapidly, prompting immediate action.

Within moments, the coaches operated seamlessly as a team. Coach Siegel sprinted to alert school security and ensure that a 9-1-1 call was placed, while Coach LoRusso confirmed that emergency services were en route and sought additional medical support. Coaches Aramayo and Bock retrieved the school’s automated external defibrillator (AED), located just outside the gymnasium.

Coach LoRusso began administering CPR, delivering the first shock advised by the AED. As the rescue continued, Coaches Aramayo and Bock took turns performing additional rounds of CPR while the AED delivered two more shocks. Throughout the intense moments, the coaches remained calm and focused. During continued chest compressions, the student began breathing again — an unmistakable sign that their efforts were working.

At the same time, Coaches Martinez and Siegel cleared students from the gym and hallways, creating a safe and direct path for first responders. Approximately 19 minutes after the initial collapse, emergency medical personnel arrived and transported the student to Glen Cove Hospital. Francesco has since made a strong recovery and joined the coaches for the event, grateful for the swift actions that gave him a second chance.

Locust Valley Athletic Director Danielle Turner Cosci highlighted how the coaches embodied the very principles they teach students. “In athletics, we talk a lot about preparation, teamwork, and leadership,” she said. “On that day, these coaches showed exactly what those words mean when it mattered most.”

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

If you or someone you know has used skills and knowledge learned in an American Red Cross Training Services course to help save or sustain the life of another individual, visit LifesavingAwards.org to nominate, recognize or be inspired.