Greenwich, Conn. (April 25, 2022) – The American Red Cross Metro New York North Chapter today presented the Red Cross Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders to Thomas Massam and Lauren Chiappetta in a ceremony at the Greenwich YMCA

The Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders is the highest award given by the Red Cross to individuals or group of individuals who save or sustain a life using skills learned in a Red Cross Training Services course. 

“We’re extremely proud to present a Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders to Thomas and Lauren. Their actions exemplify our Red Cross mission to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies,” said Stephanie Dunn Ashley, CEO, American Red Cross Metro NY North Chapter. “Accidents and emergencies can happen to anyone, at any time. We encourage everyone to learn first aid, CPR and how to use an AED, so they can take action in an emergency. Every second counts, so people need to know what to do until medical help arrives.”

“The YMCA of Greenwich is incredibly proud of Lauren and Thomas for utilizing the skills they learned as lifeguards and for saving the life of a Y member. Their quick actions and teamwork gave a man the opportunity to return home to his family. Here at the YMCA, the health and safety of our members and guests is our top priority and our lifeguards take their responsibility seriously,” said Matthew Skaarup, Chief Executive Officer, YMCA of Greenwich.

About the Life Save

On November 5, 2021, YMCA lifeguard Thomas Massam was alerted by YMCA Wellness staff that a 98-year-old member was having a medical issue in the Y's wellness cardio room. Thomas immediately activated the facility emergency action plan (EAP).

Thomas left surveillance of the pool to lifeguard Jullian Villamizar and responded to the wellness room to assess the situation. Thomas was quickly joined by Lauren Chiappetta, YMCA aquatics director. The pair of rescuers continued with the primary assessment of the patient and found that he was breathing but barely had a defined pulse. The patient was ultimately able to respond when one rescuer squeezed his hand; the other rescuer proceeded to administer emergency oxygen.

Rescuers continued to monitor the patient's airway, pulse, and levels of consciousness while keeping the 98-year-old patient and his son calm. Greenwich EMS soon arrived and took over care of the victim. The patient was transported to the local hospital and was treated for a cardiac emergency.

Thomas and Lauren both completed the American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED Courses, training that 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.

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.