My Lifesaving Red Cross Story: Josh Berg

By Clarice Nassif Ransom, American Red Cross Volunteer

Name: Josh Berg
Recognition: American Red Cross Lifesaving Certificate of Merit, 2019

Meet Josh Berg. Josh helped save the life of an athlete who collapsed and lost consciousness at the finish line of a track meet at the Christy Mathewson Memorial Stadium in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, on April 13, 2019. 

Josh Berg receiving his award from American Red Cross
in the National Capital Region CEO Linda Mathes in  November 2019.

Just three days before the track meet, Josh was re-certified in American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers & First Aid, which Josh attributes as helping him to know how to save the athlete’s life. Josh explains that on the day of the track meet, he was the host athletic trainer – it was a gorgeous Saturday afternoon, and the event was typical from a medical aspect. 

“As an athletic trainer at a track meet, however, you can never let your guard down, and you must be prepared to deal with the absolute worst of scenarios,” said Josh. 

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“The absolute worst of scenarios happened as quickly as I can remember. I got a radio call from my intern who said that there was an athlete at the finish line who apparently stopped breathing and lost his pulse. I immediately ran to the scene to evaluate the medical situation.”

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Josh said the athlete was a mid-distance sprinter who finished the race and collapsed as he was trying to catch his breath. 

“At the time of my initial assessment, the athlete was not breathing, and he did not have a pulse,” said Josh. 

“I instructed a bystander to notify emergency medical services (EMS) staff who were thankfully stationed at the meet. I immediately began giving chest compressions, and it did not take long for the athlete to regain consciousness. I remember around the 22, 23, or 24th chest compression, the athlete took a gigantic gasp of air. At that time, I never felt more relief in my entire life. EMS staff responded quickly and were on the scene very close to when that athlete began breathing and regaining a pulse.”

Josh said as the EMS staff removed the athlete from the scene for further medical treatment, the athlete was waving to the crowd.

 "A true miracle was that the athlete had the fight in him to remain alive,” said Josh, who was grateful to the intern and to the bystander for helping him save the athlete’s life.

“I retreated back to my tent and prayed I would never have to do something like that again. I was hopeful that the athlete would make a good recovery, which I later found out he did.”

Saving a life impacted Josh in many ways, including realizing how his training in American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers & First Aid made him prepared and able to respond to this unexpected event. 

“This lifesaving event taught me that there is no such thing as being overly prepared, especially if lives are on the line,” said Josh. 

“Whether you are a healthcare professional, summer lifeguard, coach, or a bystander with a CPR certification, you must always be ready to snap into action and to protect others. As an athletic trainer, not only are we surrounded by our student-athletes every day, we are surrounded by our school’s community. We are often the first line of help during an emergency.”

Josh hopes his story will inspire others who hear and read about it to become trained in CPR/AED or take part in other lifesaving trainings.

He says the key to a lifesaving event is being ready.

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“Trust yourself and the preparation that brought you to this point. True instinct will take over. I think this story will inspire some to not take their role for granted.”

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The American Red Cross Lifesaving Certificate of Merit is the highest award given by the American Red Cross to an individual or team of individuals who saves or sustains a life by using skills and knowledge learned in an American Red Cross Training Services course. The certificate bears the signature of the President of the United States, who is the honorary chairman of the American Red Cross, and the signature of the chairman of the American Red Cross. According to the American Red Cross, a lifesaving action exemplifies the highest degree of concern of one human being for another who is in distress.

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Our Red Cross training programs include First Aid, AED, BLS, CPR, EMR, swimming, water safety, babysitting, child care, and more! Learn more and sign up today: http://redcross.org/takeaclass

Show Your Love this Valentine's Day 💗 Learn CPR with the Red Cross 💕

By Rose Ellen O'Connor, Volunteer

February is National Heart Month❤, and the perfect time to learn how to save lives with your American Red Cross. Knowing how to perform CPR and being able to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) during a cardiac emergency are just a few of the many ways you can make a difference. 

Why not show your love this Valentine’s Day by learning how to save a heart-attack victim’s life? 💓

In response to the thousands who die every year in the U.S. from Sudden Cardiac Arrest, the American Red Cross offers CPR and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) classes throughout the Washington area. Nationally, the American Red Cross trains 9 million people a year in life-saving skills.
The difference between a bystander and someone trained in CPR or AED can be the difference between life and death.

More than 356,000 people in the U.S. suffer out-of-hospital Sudden Cardiac Arrest or SCA and nine out of ten die, according to the American Heart Association. That means that one person every two minutes dies somewhere in the country from sudden cardiac arrest, notes AED.com, making SCA the third leading cause of death in the U.S. and killing more people than lung cancer, breast cancer and HIV/AIDs combined.

There are rarely symptoms and almost no warning when SCA strikes, says AED.com. The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation explains that SCA occurs when the heart stops beating. It can happen to all sorts of people, including children and teens. The person suffering an SCA collapses and may gasp or shake as if having a seizure, according to the foundation. The victim’s heart is no longer pumping blood throughout the body or to the brain.

That’s when CPR and AED come into play. There are only a few minutes to spare. To administer CPR, a rescuer places one hand on top of the other in the middle of the chest and pushes hard and fast, using body weight to administer compressions that are at least two inches deep and at least 100 per minute. The victim’s head is tilted slightly back, chin lifted and nose pinched closed. The rescuer places his mouth over the person’s mouth to make a complete seal and blows two times into the mouth to make the chest rise. Compressions are then continued. CPR can buy time until an ambulance arrives. It’s even better if an AED, a padded device that analyzes the heart and may deliver a shock to restart the heart’s normal rhythm, is available.

CPR given within three to six minutes of the onset of cardiac arrest can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival.

The American Red Cross, in conjunction with affiliates, offers a four-hour course in First Aid, CPR and AED. You can receive certification in each of the areas that is valid for two years. The classes are given throughout the region during the day and evening and on weekends. They start at $70 and free refreshers are offered online.

Red Cross also offers web-based training. It allows you to work at your own pace and requires only a short, in-person session to check your skills.

Below is a list of the courses we offer – with classroom, online + classroom, and online only options available:
• First AID
• CPR
• AED
• BLS/CPS for Healthcare
• Babysitting & Child Care
• Swimming + Water Safety
• Lifeguarding
• CNA Training
• CNA Testing
• Instructor Training

Register in seconds at www.redcross.org/take-a-class and start your journey to save a life.


You can also download the free Red Cross First Aid App for instant access to information on handling the most common first aid emergencies, including sudden cardiac arrest, at your fingertips.

4 Tips for Back-to-School Safety

Written by: Morgan Terry, volunteer

As the Summer comes to a close, the American Red Cross encourages everyone to help students stay safe and be prepared as they return to school this fall. Parents and family members can take action by discussing safety procedures and develop plans, such as: 

1. For children in elementary and middle school who walk, have a designated route to get home and practice walking it a few times. Try to find routes with as little traffic if possible, and encourage your student to walk with friends or in a group. 
2. For students walking to school in poor weather such as rain or snow, make sure to dress them properly. Slippery or icy conditions can cause injury, especially for small children. Consider other ways to get your child to school if the weather is extremely poor. 
3. For students leaving for college, pack an emergency kit, just like you would have at home, for students to keep in their dorm. The kit should include items to use in the event of a power outage, poor weather, a fire or other emergency. 
4. If your student has an illness or medical condition, be sure to send them to school with everything they might need in the event of an emergency. It is also a good idea to consider having your student keep a first aid kit in their backpack. 

For more information on how to keep students safe, read these Red Cross Resources for Schools.

College Safety Tips from a Recent Graduate

Written by: Robyn Taylor, volunteer

For the past few weeks, I have watched college students prepare to head back to school for the fall semester. Since I graduated from college last fall, I will no longer be scurrying across wonderful red bricks on my alma mater’s campus anymore. On the bright side, I will no longer have to tend to a scraped knee as a result of tripping on any outstanding bricks either. This brings me to the subject of this blog post: college safety.

College can be a time of self-discovery, adventure, and of course, learning. Being away from home and being on your own for what may be your first time can be thrilling, scary, or a combination of both. When embarking on a new journey, it is always best to practice good judgment. This means being cautious of things that would compromise your judgment.

Now, as I mentioned earlier, I have scraped myself up a few times and have seen it happen to others as well. Keeping a mini first aid kit in your backpack or purse is always a good idea. Even if you are the most graceful person, you never know when antibiotic ointment and a bandage will come in handy.

Another way to avoid tripping over something on your way to class or an event is to always be aware of your surroundings. Now, this does not mean you have to constantly look over your shoulder, but again, practice good judgment. If you are unfamiliar with an area or if it looks unsafe, take the best route to ensure your safety. The buddy system does not go away after grade school. When possible, travel with a group or on paths with good lighting and other pedestrians. Most schools have security that can escort you if you feel unsafe. 

Another way to avoid danger is to secure all valuables out of sight. If you got it, don’t flaunt it. Although strolling through campus while listening to music may seem like a good way to relieve some stress, it is not ideal. In order to be more alert, make sure to keep the earphones out of your ears and your eyes off of your phone.

If you find that the stressors of college are too much, reach out to a school counselor. Counselors can often be found in the health center, which also provides other health and safety supplies, usually for free. There are many college resources that cater to your well-being and success, so make sure to be aware of them and utilize them when necessary.

Stay safe and enjoy your college experience!  

Need more help? 

Visit the Red Cross for preparedness information on a variety of emergencies!

Honor National Heart Month

Let The American Red Cross Teach You How to Save a Life

By Clarice Nassif Ransom, Volunteer

Hundreds of thousands of people die each year in the U.S. due to a sudden heart attack. Heart disease, including coronary, hypertension, and stroke, remains the number one cause of death in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association.

February is National Heart Month, and a good time to learn a new skill that can help save a life. The American Red Cross is a perfect resource. Knowing how to perform CPR and being able to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) during a cardiac emergency are just a few of the many ways you can make a difference.

“Someone who knows how to respond to an emergency is an asset to every household, workplace, and community,” said Richard N. Bradley, MD, Chair of the Red Cross Scientific Council’s Resuscitation Sub-Council, in a 2016 news release.

What do we do?

• Teach CPR Red Cross provides expert and affordable CPR training and certification courses for mandated job requirements or personal use.
• Resource for AED’s Red Cross trains you on how to use an AED and partners with manufacturers to help you receive the devices you need for your workplace, schools, and facilities.
• Host online and classroom courses Red Cross instructs participants on how to identify and respond to cardiac, breathing, and first aid emergencies, including helping someone who is choking, controlling bleeding, and treating heat-and-cold related emergencies.
• Offer the Red Cross First Aid Mobile Application Red Cross enables you to have instant access to information on handling first aid emergencies.

There are also tips for lowering heart disease risk, which include:

• Watch your weight
• Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke
• Control your cholesterol and blood pressure
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation
• Get active and eat healthy

Paraskevidekatriaphobia

My Fear-Day the 13th

By Squiggy the Squirrel

Just the other day, I looked at the calendar and saw that it was going to be Friday the 13th. Friday the 13th is one of the scariest days of the year for me, as I'm down right afraid of bad luck. Some would even say that I'm a bit nutty, but hey, a cautious squirrel is better than an unlucky one! Anyway, seeing that the 13th was coming up really fast, it got me thinking - what are some simple things I could do to make sure that even if a a black cat walked in front of me, or I spilled some salt, I'd be ready for anything!

First - I thought it would be a good idea to make sure my First Aid kit was updated with all of the essentials. I went to the Red Cross website and double checked everything in my kit and found that almost everything was in tip top shape! 

Next I made sure to download the First Aid app from the Red Cross. There are a lot of apps that put preparedness right in your palm!

Which brings us to today, the day I've been dreading! Turns out it's a good thing I was prepared before the 13th! 

Here's what happened... 

My morning started out like any other morning, but, unfortunately, as I was rolling out of my bed, I was unpleasantly surprised by the hard ground. "Ouch," I thought to myself, "what an unlucky start to my day! I think I may have sprained my tail bone!" I reached over to my phone and pulled up the First Aid app and was able to figure out how to support myself until the ambulance showed up with the squirrel rescue squad. 

After I was treated and left the ambulance with my new squirrel cast, I figured the day could only get better! On my way back to my tree house I mistakenly crossed under a ladder and instantly got stung by something! Oops! I wasn't entirely sure what it was but luckily enough, my handy-dandy First Aid app came to the rescue again! From the app I learned to:

• remove the stinger
• wash the wound
• and apply an ice pack

In no time I was back to feeling in tip-top shape... at least as best I can with a broken tail! 

Later, as I was on my way back from collecting acorns, a black cat crossed my way. And if that wasn't enough bad luck, the cat also happened to be hungry! I ran as fast as I could to escape the famished kitty and managed to make it back home safely.

By the time I got home I was sweating profusely. I haven't shed my winter coat quite yet so I was really overheated! I checked myself for signs of a heat stroke by following the simple steps on the First Aid app and hydrated myself while I searched my phone for the nearest squirrel salon for a fur trim!

What a day! Although I had a series of unfortunate events, the First Aid app really came to the rescue! While this morning wasn't a walk in the park, I can't imagine what my luck would've been like if it weren't for the Red Cross app and my First Aid kit. Don't let yourself take on Friday the 13th, or any other day, without them!

xo,
Squiggy

Not All Heroes Wear Capes

... Although Many Wear Red!

By Geoff DeLizzio, Chief Operating Officer

In March we celebrate American Red Cross Month and honor those who dedicate themselves to our mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in our community, country, and around the world.  (See President Obama’s Proclamation Here)

Everyday Heroes Helping Every Day 

In the first 2 months of 2014 the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region has responded to over 100 incidents and served over 450 clients in every jurisdiction throughout the DC Metro Area. We’ve responded to those impacted by house and apartment fires, water main breaks, gas and power outages, and set up emergency shelters during the extreme weather events of January and February.

We continue to train our community in First Aid, CPR, and general preparedness. Recently we launched the Pet First Aid App that provides advice for everyday emergencies such as the treatment of wounds, shock, heat-related emergencies and CPR for both dogs and cats. In February alone, over 30% of incidents we responded to included pets needing love and care. 

On any given day you can find an American Red Cross blood drive throughout our region. Due to the extreme weather there is still an urgent need for blood donors. Ever wanted to save a life? This is how you can do it today!  (Find a donor site here)

Heroes Helping Heroes

The American Red Cross is also present on most military installations throughout the DC region. Our heroes directly support the troops and their families by giving workshops on topics such as coping with deployment and resiliency training, serve as volunteers on installations including Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Fort Belvoir, and greet our wounded warriors every week when they arrive at Joint Base Andrews. 

Our volunteers have already been busy in 2014. We cannot do it without them and we need more heroes. 

How Can You Get Involved?

• Volunteer:  Become a Hero and serve your local community
•  Donate Blood:  Save a life. Need I say more?
• Donate Money:  We exist on the generosity of our donors. Consider a donation of any size
• Be Prepared:  Get Trained and Make a Plan for you and your family (don’t forget Fido)
• Attend one of our March Events
• March28:  One Enchanted Evening, Heritage HuntCountry Club
• March27:  Social Hour at Virtue in Alexandria

I may be biased, but our volunteers are HEROES! A big THANK YOU to all those who serve: past, present, and future!

Going for the Gold

By Kelly Norton, Volunteer Contributor

Is anyone else as excited as I am that the Winter Olympics have begun? I can't wait to watch the world's best athletes compete in all the events, from bobsledding to snowboarding and everything in between. You can watch TV coverage on NBC, but I also wanted to share ideas on how to get your "Sochi" on right here in the National Capital Region.

Go ice skating. Last weekend I went ice skating at the Washington Harbor Ice Rink in Georgetown and had so much fun! The cost is only $13 for children and $15 for adults, which includes skate rentals. Even if you can't do a triple axel, it's still fun to pretend to be an Olympic figure skater. Check out Refinery29's list of the region's best outdoor rinks for more skating options in our area.

Try Russian cuisine. Have you ever eaten traditional Russian food? Perhaps this month is a good time to try something new. I recommend Russia House or Mari Vanna, which are both located in DC. 

Get in a good workout. Ask a friend to join you as your "training partner" for a challenging workout at the gym. Having a teammate will motivate you to push yourself a little harder. You could even wear red, white, and blue workout gear to represent Team USA. 

Make gold medals. This fun craft seems like the perfect activity for a cold winter afternoon. Make these awesome medals and then hand them out to the champions in your life. 

Take a Red Cross course for coaches. Is your dream to be an Olympic coach? Do you currently volunteer or work as a coach? The Red Cross First Aid, Health and Safety Course for Coaches provides an overview of first aid and "best practices" for many situations encountered by coaches.The course teaches skills directly related to sports injuries. Search online for course availability. 

You can also download the Red Cross First Aid App so that you've got expert advice for everyday emergencies right in your hand no matter how you choose to go for the gold! Our Red Cross family in Richmond knows about big Olympic spirit and the importance of this app. Check out their take on bobsledding below:

Have fun getting in the Olympic spirit this month! Go Team USA!

Let’s Hear it for Squiggy!

Squirrel Appreciation Day

By Kelly Norton, Volunteer Contributor

January 21st marks a more obscure holiday that you may not have heard of - Squirrel Appreciation Day! I wanted to take this opportunity to thank Squiggy for her dedication to the Red Cross and how she has taught us all to not be scared, but be prepared. She is going to celebrate by attending the Washington Wizards game tomorrow with other Red Cross volunteers. You should come too! 

On Squirrel Appreciation Day, I was curious what Squiggy herself appreciates the most. Here are the four things she told me:

• Volunteers - Squiggy really appreciates the hard work of the many Red Cross volunteers in the National Capital Region. "I feel really fortunate to work with such enthusiastic and devoted people for an organization that I'm passionate about," said Squiggy. Since the Red Cross is 97% volunteer led, Squiggy definitely has reason to appreciate volunteers!
• Cookies - Her new go-to recipe are these acorn cookies. "They're delicious!" 

• Smartphones - Squiggy is a big fan of her smartphone because she's downloaded all of the Red Cross apps. Her favorite is the First Aid App - helping her to always be prepared. "During the recent polar vortex, I used the app to look up winter weather safety tips," Squiggy told me. I bet you didn't know she was so tech savvy! 
• Other Squirrels - Squiggy gave a shout-out to her other squirrel friends, including Rocky the Flying Squirrel from the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show, Sandy from Spongebob Squarepants, and Scrat from Ice Age. She's in great company!

Remember to wish any squirrels you see today a "Happy Squirrel Appreciate Day!" You can leave a comment here for Squiggy as well. 

New Year’s Resolutions, Red Cross Style!

Resolve To Be Prepared

By Lisa Newman, Volunteer Contributor 

Welcome to 2014!  For many of us, the new year is a time for self-reflection, renewal and goal setting.  Maybe we commit to exercising regularly, changing careers, volunteering in the community, or all of the above.  I don’t know about you but my resolutions seem much more doable in January, than say, June!   

Last year I took a very different approach and included my top resolutions as monthly reminders in my Gmail and iPhone calendars.  Well, this simple change made all the difference!  In addition to enrolling in a yoga class and partnering with public/private organizations on a homeless fundraising initiative, my list also included working with the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region - and here I am!  

The calendar approach might also help you improve emergency preparedness in your home.  Every year, the Red Cross responds to over 70,000 disasters in the U.S. so we know being prepared for the unexpected can save lives.  Try including simple preparedness resolutions as action items on your calendar right there next to learning a foreign language, traveling, or meditating through my - I mean your - child’s teenage mood swings!  Did I mention my 14 year-old daughter?

So let's get started! Below is a list of Red Cross emergency preparedness action items for inclusion on your digital organizers and mobile phone calendars. Be sure to take a look at the entire list and click on the links to start protecting your family and your homes today. Here's to a safe and happy 2014!

Click and prepare away! 

Prepare for a disaster by making a plan so you know what do in case of an emergency. 

Purchase of make an emergency kit for your home, office, and vehicles.

Change batteries in smoke alarms and review fire prevention tips since home fires account for the majority (over 93%) of disasters. Use this fire prevention checklist. 

Give blood at your local Red Cross donation site and help save a life. 

Download the Red Cross Mobile Apps for immediate access to help during an emergency.

Take a Red Cross class including First Aid, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automated external defibrillator).  Help your family and community with lifesaving skills.

Register on the Red Cross Safe and Well website and stay in touch with loved ones during an emergency.

Volunteer with your local Red Cross and make a difference in your community.

Donate funds to help make an impact on lives.

Share this list!

For more information about emergency preparedness, volunteering with your local Red Cross, or giving blood, visit the Red Cross online. 

October in a Nutshell

Make Halloween Safe & Less Scary

by Squiggy the Squirrel

Whether you’re a goblin in Alexandria, a superhero in Prince George’s County, a zombie in DC, or a witch in Prince William County, Halloween characters will take over the night. But even scary creatures need to be safe and celebrate Halloween right. Halloween's greatest hazards aren't vampire and villains, but falls, costume mishaps, and automobile accidents. The Red Cross and I want your family to have a safe Halloween so we're providing these tips - the lucky 13:

1. Map out the route that you plan to roam, so adults are assured you will find your way home!
2. From the bravest of superheros to the noblest of knights, everyone should remember to bring their flashlights!
3. If you visit a house where a stranger resides, accept treats at the door and, please, don't go inside.
4. When you get ready to put on your disguise, use face paint instead of masks, which will cover your eyes.
5. Always remember, before you embark, to wear light-colored clothing to be seen in the dark! (And remember to use reflective tape, even on bikes, and brooms and the edges of your cape!)
6. Whether you walk, slighter or sneak, do it on the sidewalks and not in the street.
7. As you roam through the neighborhood collecting your treats, please look both ways before crossing the street! (And speaking of streets, the corners are the place for trick or treaters to cross no matter their pace.)
8. Wigs, capes, and costumes are flammable attire, so avoid open flames to prevent a fire!
9. Use a glow stick instead of a candle so your jack-o-lantern isn't a safety gamble!
10. You may fly on a broom or a space ship from Mars, but please be on the lookout for drivers in cars! (Between parked cars is no place to hide, be sure that you're seen whether you're a clown or a bride.)
11. Monsters and zombies should stay off the lawn, and only visit homes with their porch lights turned on!
12. You may be dressed as a werewolf, a cat or a frog, but be cautious around strange animals, especially dogs.
13. Have a grown-up inspect your candy when you're done trick-or-treating to remove open packages and choking hazards before eating.

Consider downloading the Red Cross First Aid app in case of any trick-or-treating emergencies. This app gives you instant access to the information you need to know to handle the most common first aid emergencies. It includes videos, interactive quizzes, and simple step-by-step advice. It's never been easier to know first aid! 

Glow sticks, lanterns, and safety, oh my! Bring along these fun favorites from the Red Cross Store on your Halloween outing and be prepared for life's emergencies!

And my final note - whether you're an adult, kid or team, have a safe and happy Halloween!

xo,
Squiggy