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The American Red Cross will present the Certificate of Merit to Jeanne Tomlinson and Gina Abrams on Sunday, July 12, 2009 during service at Clyde Chapel Baptist Church in Wendell for helping to save the life of Mr. Titus Painter of Wendell.

The Certificate of Merit Award is the highest honor given by the American Red Cross.It is awarded to a nominated individual who saves or sustains a human life and has successfully completed a Red Cross course in first aid, CPR, AED or aquatics prior to the performance of the lifesaving or life-sustaining act.

On November 1, 2008, Mrs. Painter found her husband unresponsive.  After calling 911, she called her niece, Jeanne Tomlinson, who was volunteering at nearby Clyde Chapel Baptist Church.  When Ms. Tomlinson and Ms. Abrams arrived at the Painter home, they determined that Mr. Painter was not breathing and had no pulse.  They immediately placed him on the floor and began performing CPR.   They continued chest compressions and rescue breathing for approximately 10 minutes until EMS arrived.  Archer Lodge First Responders and Clayton Area EMS arrived and continued to perform CPR until Mr. Painter had a pulse and began breathing.  Mr. Painter was transported to WakeMed where they performed an emergency heart cauterization. 

"One week after Mr. Painter’s life was saved, his wife and he celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary," said Grady Johnson, American Red Cross Health and Safety Coordinator.  We are all so thankful that Ms. Tomlinson and Ms. Abrams were there and knew what to do because of their training in American Red Cross CPR and First Aid."

Recipients of the Certificate of Merit receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States and the Chairman of the American Red Cross.  Along with the certificate, awardees also receive a citation and medal.

For more information on lifesaving health and safety courses offered by the Red Cross, contact Grady Johnson, Johnston County Red Cross at (919) 934-8481.