2023 American Red Cross Real Heroes: Destini Ayers & Evan Falvey

It was June 17, 2022, when an end-of-the-year school field trip to Highland Park in Endwell changed from a celebratory event to a medical emergency. Lifeguards Destini Ayers and Evan Falvey were on duty at the park when they noticed a child who was unresponsive in the pool. Using their training, they pulled a 12-year-old boy from the water and began CPR. State troopers who were already near the park took over resuscitation efforts before members of the Endwell Fire Department and Union Ambulance Service arrived to transport the student to the hospital. Fortunately, the patient had a pulse and was breathing in the ambulance. In a situation like this, CPR and rescue training combined with a quick response are essential life-saving tools. Thankfully Destini and Evan used their skills to help someone in distress.