December 1, 2020, Mineola, NY – The American Red Cross on Long Island recently honored Ron Petrie of Sound Beach, NY with the Red Cross Certificate of Merit in recognition of his heroic actions in May 2020. Petrie used his Red Cross training in First Aid/CPR/AED to save the life of a fellow golfer during a cardiac episode. The award was presented during the most recent virtual meeting of the Red Cross on Long Island Board of Directors.

The Certificate of Merit is the highest award given by the Red Cross to individuals who save or sustain a life using skills learned in a Red Cross Training Services course.

“We are so honored to present a Certificate of Merit to Ron Petrie for his heroic actions that saved a life. His willingness to use his training to help someone truly exemplifies our Red Cross mission and humanitarian spirit. We are proud to pay tribute to his selfless act with our highest honor in relation to training,” said Neela Lockel, CEO, American Red Cross on Long Island.

About the Heroic Incident
On May 22, 2020, Ron Petrie, trained in American Red Cross Adult and Child CPR/AED, helped to sustain the life of a gentleman who fell unconscious on the Rolling Oaks Golf Course in Rocky Point, NY. Ron was golfing on Memorial Day weekend with his two sons. Ron was paired up player who was golfing alone. The two made it to the 9th hole. Ron turned to find the man had collapsed. Ron conducted an assessment. He instructed one of his sons to call 9-1-1 and for the other to go direct Emergency Medical Services to their location. Ron started administering chest compressions. EMS arrived and relieved Ron, resuming compressions.

For this act, Ron Petrie has been awarded the American Red Cross Certificate of Merit. This 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.

Red Cross training gives people the knowledge and skills to act in an emergency and save a life. A variety of online, blended (online and in-person skills session) and classroom courses are available at redcross.org/takeaclass.

If you or someone you know has used skills and knowledge learned in an American Red Cross Training Services course to help save or sustain the life of another individual, visit LifesavingAwards.org to nominate, recognize, or be inspired.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCrossNY.