Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
What: American Red Cross honors three Beaver, Utah, teens for their quick actions to save a life using CPR
When: Wednesday, June 5, 6 p.m.
Where: Dixie Technical College, 610 S. Tech Ridge Dr., St. George, UT 84770
ST. GEORGE, Utah (June 5, 2024) — Today, the American Red Cross of Utah commends three Beaver, Utah, teens for their swift and effective use of CPR to save the life of the father of one of the teens earlier this year. This recognition coincides with National CPR & AED Awareness Week, underlining the crucial significance of lifesaving skills during emergencies.
Caprie McNeill and Brailee Eyre, lifeguards for the City of Beaver, will receive the prestigious American Red Cross Certificate of Merit, signed by President Joe Biden. Kelcie Haywood will be honored with the American Red Cross Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action.
Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter, expressed pride in the teens' actions, stating, “Their quick response exemplifies the essence of preparedness and readiness to assist during crucial moments. Their selfless commitment to saving a life truly embodies the core values of the Red Cross mission.”
The Heroic Rescue
On Feb. 16, amidst a distressing call, Kelcie, Caprie, and Brailee, all 16 years old, rushed to Kelcie's home upon learning her father was unwell. Discovering him unresponsive, Caprie and Brailee immediately started CPR while Kelcie dialed 911. After performing CPR for about 7 minutes, the first EMT arrived. By the time the ambulance left for the hospital, the father had a pulse and was breathing on his own.
During the previous week, Caprie and Brailee, both Red Cross trained lifeguards, participated in a CPR refresher course conducted by Meranda Martin, the pool's manager and an EMT. “I can’t put into words how proud I am of them,” she said. “Their actions that day absolutely saved his life.”
National CPR and AED Awareness Week
The American Red Cross of Utah observes the 17th anniversary of National CPR and AED Awareness Week from June 1-7, by urging Utahns to have at least one CPR-trained person in their household. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or Hands-Only CPR (chest compressions without rescue breathing), along with the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), can significantly increase survival rates during cardiac emergencies.
With about three out of four cardiac arrests occurring at home or at work, Donner emphasized the importance of prompt action during emergencies, stating, “We all have the potential to save a loved one using CPR. That's why we advocate for widespread CPR training to empower people to act swiftly and confidently in crisis situations.”
Receive Vital Red Cross Training
Discover a range of certified training options including traditional CPR and AED usage, available in-person, online or through hybrid classes. Learn more at redcross.org/take-a-class.
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 follow us on social media.