On June 17, 2019, Julie Simpson called on her American Red Cross training in Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED to save the life of a woman who lost consciousness at the YMCA of Greenville in Simpsonville, SC. For this heroic and lifesaving action, Julie Simpson was awarded the Red Cross Certificate of Merit in a ceremony at the Upstate of South Carolina Chapter on November 5th.

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.

“We’re extremely proud to present a Certificate of Merit to Julie Simpson,” said Lisa Colby, Executive Director of the Upstate SC Chapter. “Her actions exemplify our mission to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.”

Ms. Simpson, an employee of the YMCA facility, was enjoying a swim during the early hours of the day. The pool was guarded by a co-worker as Ms. Simpson was off duty at the time. Ms. Simpson continued to swim her laps when she noticed the on-duty lifeguard beginning to sway back and forth. Realizing something was askew, Ms. Simpson quickly exited the water and initiated the Emergency Action Plan, alerting staff to the incident. The pool was cleared of patrons and 9-1-1 services were contacted. Ms. Simpson was able to reach the woman prior to her falling. Ms. Simpson moved the woman to rest against the bleachers and continued to provide initial care until Emergency Medical Services arrived. The woman went in and out of consciousness multiple times. EMS continued to provide care and transported the woman to a local hospital, where she was treated and later released. Without a doubt, the skills learned in the American Red Cross Training Services course helped to save the life of this woman.

“Just amazing in the sense that, something I took for granted, just got out of the pool, helped her and when she was taken to the hospital, I was able to continue to lifeguard,” said Simpson.  

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.