Walter Harris receiving award

Walter Harris, an information technology specialist in DISA’s Operations Center, Logistics and Contracts Division and Managements Services, is scheduled to receive the Red Cross Certificate of Merit Thursday, Oct. 29, via a Zoom meeting.

It is the highest award given to an individual or team, who saves or sustains a life by using skills and knowledge learned in a Red Cross Training Services course.

Harris is being awarded the certificate for having helped sustain the lives of three individuals involved in an automobile accident Dec. 2, 2019, on a highway near Troy, Illinois.

Walter was traveling to work when he witnessed the accident and stopped to assist.

One driver exited his vehicle clutching his chest where the seatbelt kept him restrained, and had a cut across his head. Harris placed him on the ground and conducted an assessment. Once stable, he advised a bystander to stay with the man until emergency medical services arrived.

Harris then heard screams from a vehicle that had flipped over. He went to the wreckage and noticed a man and woman inside. The man was freely moving around and only needed assistance exiting. Harris pulled him out and returned to the wreckage to assess the woman, who was pinned by the steering wheel. She was bleeding and suffered injuries when the car flipped, but Harris was able to apply enough pressure to control  the bleeding. Although he was unable to move her, he stayed and continued to speak with her to keep her calm until EMS arrived, who were able to extract her from the vehicle.

Harris’ actions are a testament to the skills he learned in the Red Cross Adult First Aid/CPR/AED course.

The operations team congratulates Harris on his selection for such a prestigious award. 

See the full article about Harris’ lifesaving assistance.

Posted October 28, 2020