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CHARLOTTE — “She went way above the call of duty.”
Those were the words Barbara Philmon used to describe the quick-thinking of American Red Cross employee Sandra Peake.
Philmon, a volunteer with the Greater Carolinas Chapter, suffered a mini-stroke Dec. 1 while at the chapter. Fortunately, supervisor and friend Sandra Peake was there to help.
“Because of my training with the Red Cross in First Aid/CPR, I knew that Barbara was exhibiting signs of stroke. I immediately called the paramedics,” recalls Peake, who serves as Transportation Operations Manager at the chapter.
Peake noted that she also knew from training that if a potential stroke victim receives medical attention within an hour of the stroke, that person has a better chance of recovery.
While waiting for paramedics to arrive, Betty Burton, transportation office administrator, had Philmon, 74, smile and raise her arms. Through Red Cross First Aid training, Burton had learned these were common questions to ask if you suspect a person might be suffering from a stroke.
Philmon was admitted to the hospital overnight, where she was treated for a mini-stroke. She is now recovering at home.
American Red Cross Training
All too often, lives are put at risk due to the lack of training by the general public. The American Red Cross offers many classes, including Adult and Child First Aid/CPR, AED training, Pet First Aid, Basic Water Rescue and Baby-Sitting courses.
Last year alone, the Greater Carolinas Chapter trained nearly 50,000 people in life-saving skills.
Protect the ones you love: call us at 704.378.4638 to sign up for a class.
Signs of a stroke
According to the American Stroke Association:
The warning signs of stroke are:
• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause
Be prepared:
• Keep a list of emergency rescue service numbers next to the telephone and in your pocket, wallet or purse.
• Find out which area hospitals are primary stroke centers that have 24-hour emergency stroke care.
• Know (in advance) which hospital or medical facility is nearest your home or office.

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The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation’s blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The American Red Cross is a charity, not a government agency, and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. To find out more about the Greater Carolinas Chapter of the American Red Cross, call (704) 374.8224.