RED CROSS OF WYOMING
Presents Lifesaving Awards
OCTOBER 2022, CHEYENNE, WYOMING
By Pat Kondas, American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming Public Affairs
The American Red Cross of Wyoming presented Lifesaving Awards to two people who used their skills or knowledge to save or sustain a life in times of emergency. The awards were presented at the Military Affairs Committee luncheon in Cheyenne on October 21.
On March 10, 2022, Kimberly Shupe, who is trained in American Red Cross Lifeguarding for Professional Rescuers, along with CPR, AED and First Aid, helped to save the life of a person in distress at the FE Warren Air Force Base Aquatic Center. Kimberly, who was on duty, was asked for assistance by a lifeguard after noticing a man in the water was not moving. Kimberly reacted quickly, entering the pool and removing the victim. She assessed that he was unresponsive, not breathing and had no pulse. After instructing the Aquatic Center staff to call 911, she began to administer CPR. After several cycles of CPR, Kimberly was able to detect that the victim was breathing and continued to monitor the gentleman until the FE Warren Fire Department arrived.
. The gentleman was transported to the hospital and has since recovered. Janet Lewis, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Wyoming and presenter of the awards, said, “Without a doubt, Kimberly and her American Red Cross training helped to save a life that day.” For this act, Kimberly was awarded the Red Cross Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders.
Also receiving an award was Amy Herbert, who received the American Red Cross Lifesaving Instructor Award, one of the highest awards given by the American Red Cross to instructors who teach the skills that help to save or sustain lives. Concluding the presentations, Executive Director Lewis said, “In my experience with the American Red Cross, I’ve learned that heroes—the brave men and women willing to step forward and help a stranger during their greatest time of need—they’re all around us.”
The Lifesaving Awards provide recognition for individuals and acknowledgment of the immense payoff of Red Cross safety and preparedness training—arming people with the skills and confidence needed to respond appropriately to sudden emergencies. Lifesaving Awards can be given in three areas:
- Individuals and Teams who applied skills learned in a Red Cross Training Class can be nominated for our highest award—the Certificate of Merit —signed by the President of the United States.
- Professional Responders including healthcare workers can be nominated for a Certificate of Merit for lifesaving actions performed while off duty, or a Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders for extraordinary service provided individually or as a team as part of their employment.
- Other Lifesavers who are not Red Cross trained but exemplify our mission of preventing and alleviating suffering in the face of emergencies can be nominated for a Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action.