Red Cross honors two Bettendorf YMCA employees

Two Bettendorf Family YMCA employees have been recognized by the American Red Cross for using their CPR and AED training earlier this year to help save the life of a member who suffered a cardiac emergency.

Raymond Marquez and Brittney Thornton received the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders at a ceremony on August 17 at the Bettendorf Family YMCA. The award recognizes individuals or teams who save or sustain a life, outside of a medical setting, as part of their employment or while on duty using lifesaving skills and knowledge.

Marquez and Thornton were working at the Bettendorf Family YMCA on April 26 when they were notified that a member had suddenly collapsed and was unconscious. Marquez was the first to arrive. He immediately recognized that the member was in cardiac arrest and needed CPR. He directed Thornton to call 911 while he retrieved the automated external defibrillator (AED). Marquez quickly applied the AED pads as another member began chest compressions. The device advised that a shock was needed and Marquez delivered it before CPR was resumed.

The member began gasping for air and regained consciousness moments later. He was disoriented and in distress and Thornton stayed with him, talking to him, encouraging him to remain awake and keeping him engaged until paramedics arrived.

“Emergencies can happen anywhere, and in those critical moments, every second matters,” said Trish Burnett, Executive Director for the Red Cross of the Quad Cities and Northwest Illinois. “Raymond and Brittney stepped forward, relied on their training and worked seamlessly as a team when someone’s life was on the line. Their actions are an incredible example of how being prepared and knowing what to do can make a lifesaving difference.”

The Red Cross also recognized the Bettendorf Family YMCA for its commitment to ensuring its employees are equipped with CPR, AED and First Aid training.

“This recognition is not only about celebrating Raymond and Brittney’s heroic actions,” Burnett said. “It is also a reminder of the importance of preparedness and the lifesaving impact that training can have in our workplaces and communities.”

The Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders is among the highest honors presented by the American Red Cross. It was created to recognize individuals who use Red Cross lifesaving skills and knowledge as part of their day-to-day job responsibilities to save or sustain a life. Recipients may include lifeguards, police officers, firefighters, EMS professionals, EMTs, healthcare professionals and others who respond to emergencies as part of their work.

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