On June 14, 2019, over a dozen team members of the AVX Corporation in Fountain Inn, SC called on their American Red Cross training in Red Cross Adult First Aid/CPR/AED to help save the life of a man who became unresponsive at the office.  For their heroic and lifesaving action, five team members received the Red Cross Certificate of Merit and 13 team members received the Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action in a ceremony at the Red Cross of the Upstate Board meeting on Tuesday.

The Certificate of Merit is the highest award given by the Red Cross to individuals who save or sustain a life using skills learned in a Red Cross Training Services course. The Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action is given to individuals who step up in an emergency and help save or sustain a life

“We’re extremely proud to present both the Certificate of Merit and the Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action to these AVX team members,” said Lisa Colby, Executive Director of the Upstate SC Chapter. “The actions of everyone involved exemplify our mission to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.”

On June 14, 2019, a gentleman lost consciousness at AVX Corporation in Fountain Inn, SC. The gentleman was walking slowly back to his desk after lunch when a co-worker had asked if he was feeling alright. The gentleman responded ‘no’ but was able to make it to his desk chair and sat down. Shortly afterwards, the gentleman fell unconscious. The coworker alerted staff who then contacted 9-1-1 and alerted security and first aid responders. The gentleman was lowered to the floor and was quickly assessed. It was determined the gentleman was not breathing and lacked a pulse. Chest compressions were conducted immediately. Another staffer arrived shortly afterwards to assist. Staff had brought an AED to the scene, where it was setup while chest compressions continue. Due to the size of the facility multiple staff members directed Emergency Medical Services. EMS arrived on scene and continued to provide care.

“I had a cardiac arrest. Not many people come through a cardiac arrest like I was able to do. If it were not for the quick response and the training given by the American Red Cross then this outcome could have been very different for me,’ said John Peters

Without a doubt, the skills learned in the American Red Cross Training Services course helped to save the life of this gentleman.

“We talk all the time. and we look at each other a little bit differently these days. Both of us. So anyway, maybe we're kindred spirits,” said John Beight, a recipient of the Certificate of Merit.

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 sessions) 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 emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.