By Rebecca Robinson

After a remarkable display of courage and skill, five Pennsylvania heroes were honored with the American Red Cross Lifesaving Awards for saving a young boy in cardiac arrest. The incident that brought them recognition occurred on September 3, 2023, when first responders were called to a critical emergency at the Lincolnway Swimming Pool in West Manchester Township, York County.

A six-year-old boy suffered cardiac arrest while at the pool, sending shockwaves through the crowded area. As panic spread, Officer Michael Jordan of the West Manchester Township Police Department and firefighters Derek Dunn, Matthew Miller Jr., and Frank Quintin III of the West Manchester Township Fire Department responded swiftly to the scene.

Thanks to their training, quick thinking and composure under pressure, the first responders were able to provide immediate, lifesaving care. They worked together to stabilize the child and, with the help of an automated external defibrillator (AED), they delivered a critical shock that helped the boy regain a pulse. Moments later, he regained consciousness and began breathing on his own, a testament to their collective efforts and the importance of rapid intervention during medical emergencies.

After hearing of the first responders’ bravery, Roy Gentzler, the District Chief of the Lincolnway Fire Company, nominated them for the prestigious American Red Cross Lifesaving Awards. According to Gentzler, they entered a scene full of chaos and confusion, but quickly and professionally utilized their skills to help save the boy’s life.

“There were bystanders that started CPR for this child, and when they arrived, Officer Jordan took over the chest compressions and delivered high-quality CPR,” Gentzler explained. “The AED was applied, and the defibrillation was able to revive the child.”

The individuals were honored for their heroic actions during a meeting of the West Manchester Township Board of Supervisors. The Lifesaving Awards is one of the highest recognitions given by the American Red Cross, honoring individuals whose actions helped save or sustain a life.

Firefighters Miller and Quintin were presented with the Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action, acknowledging their immediate and selfless response in saving a life. Officer Jordan and firefighter Dunn were awarded the Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders—an honor given to those who save or sustain a life using skills acquired through Red Cross Training Services courses. For his role in facilitating the lifesaving training, Gentzler was presented with the Lifesaving Instructor Award, highlighting the critical importance of training and preparedness in emergency situations.

In addition, the heroes were presented with citations from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the Pennsylvania State Senate, further recognizing their lifesaving actions.

During the ceremony, Gentzler emphasized the significance of immediate action, saying the incident serves as a reminder of the value of training, teamwork, and the unwavering commitment of emergency responders, whose quick actions often mean the difference between life and death.

“If that doesn’t happen, if the people don’t start CPR, or we don’t arrive when we arrive, that child would not be alive,” Gentzler said. “Thanks to their quick actions and their skills, they saved that child’s life”.

Accidents and emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere. Every second counts when a cardiac arrest occurs, and it’s critical to know what to do in the moments that matter. The Red Cross recommends lifesaving CPR and AED training for everyone to give you the skills and confidence to act in an emergency and help save a life. Visit redcross.org/take-a-class to register for a course.