Your Red Cross Update

Emergencies don’t wait for the perfect moment.

They can happen without warning, in the middle of an ordinary day, at home, surrounded by family.

But what happens next often depends on one thing: whether someone nearby knows what to do.

For Edward Kuan, that moment came unexpectedly. At just 15 years old, his actions made the difference between life and death.

Edward was in the shower when his younger brother came running from the kitchen, shouting that their father had collapsed. Without hesitation, Edward jumped out and rushed to help.

He found his father unresponsive on the kitchen floor, with his two younger brothers, just 8 and 10 years old, looking on. Drawing on CPR skills he had learned through a lifeguarding course, Edward immediately jumped into action.

“What matters most in moments like these is acting quickly,” Edward later shared. And that’s exactly what he did.

Edward called 9-1-1 and then contacted his mother, who was out of town. As he waited for help to arrive, he stayed on the phone with the emergency dispatcher, carefully following instructions and continuing CPR. For five to ten long minutes, Edward remained focused, performing lifesaving chest compressions until first responders arrived. They continued the effort using a LUCAS device, which provides automatic, consistent chest compressions for nearly 45 minutes before transporting Edward’s father to the hospital. At first, the prognosis was poor but because Edward acted quickly and confidently, his father ultimately survived and recovered.

The American Red Cross proudly recognized Edward, age 17, with the Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action, one of the organization’s prestigious Lifesaving Awards.

“To remain that calm and decisive in an emergency, especially when it involves your own family, is truly extraordinary,” said Justin Mueller, Chief Executive Officer for the Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region, who presented the award. “Edward’s actions embody the Red Cross mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in times of crisis. They remind us that lifesaving training empowers everyday people, including young people, to act when every second matters.”

Edward’s story is a powerful reminder that preparedness isn’t just about having supplies or plans, it’s about knowledge and confidence. When training meets the moment, lives can be saved.

The Red Cross Lifesaving Awards program dates back to 1911, honoring individuals who take action in emergencies and help save or sustain a life. In the past decade alone, the American Red Cross has recognized more than 3,500 individuals worldwide, whose actions have helped save nearly 2,000 lives.

Edward was nominated for the award by Christy Trombley, whose nomination helped ensure his heroic actions were recognized to inspire others to learn lifesaving skills of their own.

Edward never expected to use his training to save the life of someone he loves. But when the moment came, he was ready. Red Cross training gives people the skills and confidence to act in emergencies and save lives. Courses are available online, in blended formats, or in classrooms nationwide. Visit redcross.org/takeaclass to find a course near you. If you or someone you know has used Red Cross training to help save or sustain a life, visit lifesavingawards.org to nominate, recognize, or be inspired.