Story told by: Nick Gibson

“I am humbled to have been Tavarres’ American Red Cross Instructor that taught him the necessary skills that prepared him for the unexpected moment that made an extraordinary difference in saving the life of another,” said Tracy White. “I wanted to become a Red Cross instructor so I can play a crucial part in teaching people how to use the skills they learn to save lives and respond to situations in times that matter.”

In July, Tavarres Ladson received our Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders. This award is presented to Red Cross-trained individuals or team of individuals who saves or sustains a life with a duty to respond.

On January 28th, 2025,Tavarres was at the Marriott Surf Watch front desk in Hilton Head, South Carolina where he works. The front desk was notified of an unconscious guest outside the main lobby. Tavarres immediately went to check on the guest.

A good Samaritan was also checking on the guest and determined that the guest was not breathing. The good Samaritan began CPR, and Tavarres ran to get an AED. He instructed front desk personnel to call 911 for a cardiac arrest and asked for additional assistance with crowd control.

Tavarres applied the AED to the guest, and it ultimately gave multiple shocks to the guest, which helped guide the good Samaritan through correct CPR. Emergency personnel arrived shortly after and applied their own AED. The guest began breathing again after approximately 5 minutes. EMS Captain Groff later classified Tavarres' actions as "phenomenal".

The Red Cross provides lifesaving courses in skills such as first aid, CPR and using an AED. By learning how to respond to emergencies, you’ll have the confidence to act fast and help save lives.

Train for the moments that matter. Visit redcross.org to sign up for a course today.