Every day community members across the country step up to help friends, family, and strangers in need of lifesaving care. Many of these community heroes learn these skills by taking American Red Cross Training Services courses like CPR/AED and First Aid training giving them the skills needed to help save lives.

James Turner is one of these heroes. While he hoped he would never need to use his American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED and First Aid training, this training gave him the skills, knowledge, and confidence to act when a life was in need.

On July 26, 2021, a member of the Wichita Falls YMCA noticed a man in distress and pulled the man off the gym equipment. While the member began administering CPR, Turner advised a coworker to contact 9-1-1 and went to retrieve the AED. Turner arrived with the AED and applied the pads to the man. The AED analyzed and advised a shock was needed. All stood clear while a shock was administered. The man began to respond while Emergency Medical Services arrived on the scene and continued to provide care.

For his heroic act, James Turner was awarded the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award. This is the highest award given by the American Red Cross to individuals who save or sustain life by using skills and knowledge learned in a Red Cross Training Services course. The certificate bears the signature of the President of the United State, who is the honorary chairman of the American Red Cross, and the signature of the chairman of the American Red Cross.

Red Cross training gives people the knowledge and skills to act in an emergency and save a life. Sign-up for your lifesaving course so, if needed, you can help give someone more time with friends, the family, making precious memories. A variety of online, blended (online and in-person skills sessions) and classroom courses are available at redcross.org/takeaclass.

If you or someone you know has used skills and knowledge learned in an American Red Cross Training Services course to help save or sustain the life of another individual, visit LifesavingAwards.org to nominate, recognize, or be inspired.