Story by Caitlin Ballenger
Matthew Sargent Awarded the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award
This week, Matthew Sargent was awarded the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award at an intimate ceremony at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.
This is one of the highest awards given by the American Red Cross to an individual or a team of individuals who saves or sustains a life by using skills and knowledge learned in an American Red Cross Training Services course. His two fellow responders, Siobhain Kilgallen and Scott Hughes, were also celebrated and rewarded with Certificates of Extraordinary Personal Action.
Matthew Sargent, trained in the American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED, helped to save the life of a woman who was submerged in the deep end of the pool at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, on April 30, 2019.
Sargent recognized the woman was in distress and immediately entered the water. “Clearly something was very wrong. I had to act fast, so I jumped into the 8-foot deep pool without taking the time to grab my flotation tube.”
He swam to the woman and brought her above water. The woman was conscious and able to answer questions, but upon being brought poolside the woman lost consciousness.
Sargent’s Red Cross training kicked in and he began assessing the situation while another responder contacted 9-1-1. Sargent went to obtain the AED while the secondary responder initiated chest compressions. “My Red Cross training definitely helped and gave me the confidence I needed to respond quickly.”
The AED was promptly set up and analyzed. It advised to shock, all stood clear. Staff assessed the woman and continued chest compressions.
“My Red Cross training definitely helped and gave me the confidence I needed to respond quickly.”
– Matthew Sargent
The AED analyzed for a second time and did not advise a secondary shock. Emergency Medical Services arrived shortly after and continued to provide care. Without a doubt, the skills learned in the American Red Cross Training Services course helped to save the life of this woman.
Matthew Sargent’s actions exemplified the highest degree of concern of one human being for another who is in distress. The American Red Cross Lifesaving Award presented to him bears the signature of the President and CEO of the American Red Cross, and the signature of the chairman of the American Red Cross. Sargent’s award was presented by Debby MacSwain, an American Red Cross swimming safety instructor for 53 years, and Thomas Gonzalez, the Executive Director of the Red Cross of Southeastern Colorado located in Colorado Springs, CO.
