American Red Cross
December 17,2024 — Rachelle Lipker, Executive Director for the American Red Cross, serving Central & Western Nebraska will present the “Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders”. This is the highest award given by the American Red Cross to Reilly Shakin for saving a man’s life on May 24, 2024.
On May 24, 2024, Reilly Shakin, trained in American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR helped to save the life of a man who was unconscious outside the Connection Homeless Shelter in North Platte, Nebraska. Reilly, who works at the facility as a Security Staff member was on duty when she was notified of an unconscious male lying in the alley behind the building. She was the first to respond and immediately began CPR while another staff member called 911. Reilly continued performing CPR until emergency personnel arrived and transported the male to the hospital. Without a doubt, the skills learned in the American Red Cross Training Services course helped to save the life of this gentleman.
Trudy Merritt is also being recognized with the award of “The Lifesaving Instructor Award”. This award was crafted in 2020 and recognized instructors that trained a student that saved a life. Ms. Merritt has taught American Red Cross classes for over 30 years.
This presentation will occur on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 12:00 noon at the Connection Homeless Shelter located at 414 E. 6th. St. North Platte, NE. Those invited to attend are staff of the Connection, Board of Directors of the shelter, Board of Health members, representatives from public health and the executive director of our community foundation whose grants allowed our health department to purchase the new training equipment used in the classes taught in North Platte, Red Cross staff and volunteers, along with the instructor that taught Ms. Merritt, over 30 years ago.
Media is invited and encouraged to attend this very special event. For more information, please reach out to Rachelle Lipker, Executive Director for the American Red Cross serving Central & Western Nebraska; 308-660-0114 or [email protected]
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 @RedCross.