By Alana Mauger

Dawn Mascaro was attending a biannual customer appreciation open house last December at J.P. Mascaro & Sons in Audubon, Montgomery County, when a piece of food became lodged in her throat. Among the hundreds of people in attendance, she spotted her nephew James Mascaro across the room and quickly approached him for help. Dawn and James had taken their American Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED certification training together in that very room two years prior.

When James realized his aunt was in distress, his training kicked in. He started by asking, “Are you choking?” When she affirmed, “Yes,” he moved her a few feet to a side room and began abdominal thrusts. After three light thrusts, Dawn started to lose consciousness. James recalls thinking, “I have to go harder and hope I don’t hurt her.” After four large thrusts the food was dislodged, and Dawn was able to breathe.

For his efforts, James received the Certificate of Merit, the oldest and most prestigious American Red Cross Lifesaving Award. It’s hand- signed by the President of the United States – in this case President Biden – who traditionally serves as the Honorary Chairman of the American Red Cross. In addition to the certificate, James received a medal and lapel pin.

“James’ actions exemplify the highest degree of concern of one human being for another who is in distress. He is a hero and steward of the Red Cross mission,” said Laura Burke, interim executive director, Red Cross Delaware Valley Chapter, who presented the award alongside Board Chair John Susanin in July.

The presentation took place in the same room where James’ actions saved his aunt’s life. It’s also the room where James, Dawn and their colleagues were recertified in Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED this past May.

Lifesaving Awards Program

The Red Cross Lifesaving Awards program is comprised of four awards. In addition to the Certificate of Merit, the Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders and Healthcare Professionals is given to trained people who respond to emergencies as part of their work. The Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action goes to people who lack Red Cross training but who step up during an emergency. Finally, the Lifesaving Instructor Award is given to instructors who teach the skills that help save or sustain lives.

You can nominate and recognize a person or group of people who have used the skills and knowledge gained in Red Cross training courses to help save or sustain a life. Visit LifesavingAwards.org to get started.