HCA Healthcare in New Hampshire has donated $10,000 to the American Red Cross to expand its Lifesaving Awards program, which recognizes police, fire and EMS professionals whose remarkable courage, skill and swift action have saved lives during emergencies.
Established in 1911, the American Red Cross Lifesaving Award program celebrates people who step forward in critical moments, including police, fire and EMS professionals, healthcare providers and everyday citizens. The program recognizes those who use Red Cross training and take extraordinary action to help another person during a life-threatening situation.
The American Red Cross is accepting nominations for its Lifesaving Awards program through Sept. 15. Community members are encouraged to nominate individuals who have used their skills and knowledge to save or sustain the life of another person.
“We are grateful for HCA Healthcare’s support to help us recognize the exceptional dedication of our first responders in New Hampshire,” said Stephanie Couturier, regional chief executive officer of the American Red Cross New England Region. “The courage, quick thinking and selfless actions of our first responders embodies the Red Cross mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering during times of crisis.”
Awards are presented in three categories:
- Certificate of Merit: One of the highest honors bestowed by the Red Cross. It is awarded to individuals or teams who are trained in Red Cross CPR, First Aid, or AED administration, or to off-duty professional responders, who successfully save or sustain a life. The certificate bears the signature of the President of the United States.
- Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders: Honors the extraordinary, lifesaving efforts of on-duty Red Cross-trained responders and healthcare professionals.
- Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action: Celebrates the bravery, selflessness, and quick thinking of everyday citizens who save a life, even if they have no formal Red Cross training.
For more than a century, the Lifesaving Awards program has highlighted the impact of preparedness, training and decisive action in emergency situations. Honorees represent the best of their communities and demonstrate how one person’s response in a critical moment can make a lifesaving difference.
“HCA Healthcare and the American Red Cross share a deep commitment to strengthening community health in New Hampshire, supporting first responders and recognizing those who make lifesaving differences every day,” said Kerrin A. Lucas, chief financial officer at Parkland Medical Center in Derry and an American Red Cross board member. “This partnership brings together HCA Healthcare’s commitment to advancing public health and frontline care with the Red Cross mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering. Together, we are proud to celebrate community heroes while strengthening emergency preparedness, supporting EMS collaboration and building more resilient communities.”