You never know when your First Aid/CPR skills will be put to the test. It may be in a crowd of complete strangers. It may be someone you love. In the case of Lisa Courneya, the knowledge and training she received from the American Red Cross saved the life of her 2-day-old grandson.

The emergency happened on May 20th, 2024. Lisa was visiting her daughter to celebrate the birth of her son (Lisa's grandson), Saint. Holding the infant in her arms, Lisa suddenly noticed Saint was turning blue.

“He was not breathing," Lisa recalled. She knew she needed to start CPR right away. "Grandma mode went out the window, I was totally focused on trying to save his life, hoping he would be okay.” 

Meanwhile, daughter Kimberly called 9-1-1. As Emergency Medical Services arrived, Lisa was still performing CPR.  She carried Saint to the ambulance and he was transported to Seattle Children's Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. He survived.  

The composure and quick action shown that day led to Lisa's nomination and receipt of the Red Cross Lifesaving Award, Certificate of Merit. The highest honor given to a Red Cross trained individual who uses their skills to save a life.  

When faced with the alarming sight of the infant turning blue and not being ablIe to breathe, Lisa's instincts kicked in. Her ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation under such stress is why Saint is thriving today. 

These events and the outcome highlight the importance of CPR knowledge for unexpected life-threatening situations. It is a goal of the Red Cross that in any emergency situation, someone with the training and skills to respond is within reach. 

Lisa completed Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and automatic external defibrillator training and certification in July 2023 as part of her participation with the Emergency Management Group – Washington. It's an organization that frequently volunteers at community special events and community athletic events. 

“When I completed this training, I never thought I would use the skills with my family. I am very thankful and grateful I took this training, and glad I was there when Saint stopped breathing," Lisa said. 

Coincidentally, her Red Cross instructor, Frank Sebastian, is also President of Emergency Management Group – Washington. It was Frank who learned about her actions and nominated her for a Lifesaving Award, emphasizing the value of preparedness and the ability to remain focused under pressure. Frank will also receive the Red Cross Instructor Award for successfully preparing her for what to do.

Lisa's completion of the Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED training is a testament to her commitment to not only her own family's safety but also to the well-being of her community. 

Train for the moments that matter. Visit redcross.org/takeaclass to register for a course today.

If you know someone who has helped save or sustain a life, nominate them for a Red Cross National Lifesaving Award at redcross.org/lifesavingawards.