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| RED Rochester employee Gene Bernardo (center top) helped save the live of co-worker Ed Szozda (far right in jacket), along with Kodak Park Fire Department Members Rod Spreer (white shirt), Mike Defendorf (far left), Patrick Doerrer (bottom left) and Ryan Clair(bottom right) |
Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. Every second counts in those situations, and the
skills taught at Red Cross Health & Safety Classes can prove vital while waiting for emergency personnel to arrive.
RED Rochester Refrigeration/Water employee Gene Bernardo learned that lesson first hand on February 11th, 2015.
Shortly after his team started their shift that morning, Gene
found his coworker, Ed Szozda, unresponsive. He immediately started CPR, directed another
coworker to call 911 and deployed their Department’s new automated external defibrillator (AED).
Ryan Clair, Mike Defendorf, Patrick Doerrer and Rod Speer of
the Kodak Park Fire Department (KPFD) took it from there, applying medical
attention until Ed could be transported to the local hospital, where
successful heart surgery was completed that morning.
Medical professionals credit Gene and the Kodak Park Fire
Department with saving Ed’s life, as the first minutes of this type
of situation are the most critical.
On January 15, the American Red Cross was proud to present Certificates of Extraordinary Personal Action to Gene Bernardo, Ryan Clair, Mike Defendorf, Patrick Doerrer and Rod Speer. The Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action is awarded
to individuals who save or sustain a life by action that exemplifies the
mission of Red Cross Preparedness and Health & Safety Services.
If you'd like to learn how to perform CPR, use an AED, or other skills that may help save the life of someone you love, visit www.redcross.org/take-a-class, or contact Cristi at 716-878-2392 or cristi.oczek@redcross.org to schedule a training at your school, business or organization.
