By Alana Mauger

On Tuesday, the American Red Cross presented Pennsylvania State Police Sgt. Jeffrey Taroski, of Philadelphia, with a Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders to recognize his heroic actions last year.

While on duty at a Philadelphia casino on June 8, 2021, Sgt. Taroski was alerted that an individual needed assistance after sustaining a severe arm laceration while working on a mechanical device in the wardrobe room. When he arrived, Sgt. Taroski observed the individual laying on the floor in a pool of blood, and he determined that 9-1-1 emergency services were needed.

Based on his training, experience and quick thinking, Sgt. Taroski recognized that the bright red blood pumping from the individual’s arm was arterial blood. Observing that the pool of blood was getting larger, he acted quickly to preserve the individual’s arm and life. He used a belt as a tourniquet, tightly wrapping it above the wound until an actual tourniquet could be applied. Next, he used towels to apply pressure to the wound, preventing further blood loss. Finally, he called 9-1-1 back to upgrade the seriousness of the initial call

In a letter of nomination, one of his colleagues writes that Sgt. Taroski “demonstrated strong leadership and remained calm throughout the stressful situation,” delegating necessary duties to other Troopers to maintain scene and crowd control, safety and effective communication with emergency services and involved personnel.

Lifesaving Awards program

The Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders is awarded to Red Cross-trained first responders and healthcare professionals acting while on duty. It is one of four awards given as part of the Red Cross Lifesaving Awards program. To nominate and recognize a person or group who has taken action to save or sustain a life, visit LifesavingAwards.org.