–photos courtesy of Scott Marder of the American Red Cross-
An associate of The Y in Central Maryland in Parkville was recognized for saving a man’s life.
A member was working out in the fitness room of The Y in Parkville – as he does every week – when he lost consciousness and sank to the floor.
What happened next changed the course of a life-or-death situation.
Giustino Pulit, an associate of The Y in Central Maryland, sprang into action, utilizing the skills that he had learned just weeks prior in a Red Cross training class to perform CPR and rescue breathing while colleagues called 911.
Thanks to his training, Pulit stayed calm and act quickly. He and several colleagues did chest compressions until first responders arrived.
The Y member was hospitalized but survived – thanks to Puliti and his colleagues’ lifesaving skills – and has made a full recovery.
On Monday, November 9, the American Red Cross recognized Pulit with a Lifesaving Award for the critical action he took on that February day.
Pulit was joined by colleagues at the Y in Parkville, as well as Terry Frank, the member who collapsed. The award presentation also marked the first time Pulit and Frank have met since the incident.
“CPR saves lives, and Giustino’s quick thinking and selfless actions show how being trained to step in and help makes a lifesaving difference when every moment counts,” said Lenora Henry, executive director of the Red Cross of Central Maryland.
“At the Y, building and strengthening community is at the heart of everything we do,” said John Hoey, president and CEO of the Y in Central Maryland.
“Giustino and his fellow associates demonstrated what it truly means to care for one another in our community. We are incredibly proud of their quick actions and grateful that Terry is here with us today. We thank the American Red Cross for recognizing this remarkable moment.”