Recognizing Extraordinary Personal Actions

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 11^th, 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.