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Man performs lifesaving CPR on toddler
American Red Cross presents Lifesaving Award to Eric Keller
livesaverKeller2022
Eric Keller holds an American Red Cross lifesaving award as he stands beside Lacy Rodriguez, who is holding her 2-year-old daughter, Nova Gomez, Thursday evening at the Walmart Supercenter in Great Bend. Keller was recognized for administering life-saving cardiopulmonary resuscitation to the toddler when they were in the store earlier this year. Also pictured are Store Manager Darin Dreiling, left, and Jane Blocher, executive director of the Greater Kansas Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, right. - photo by photo by Susan Thacker/Great Bend Tribune

Eric Keller lives in Hutchinson but he just happened to be shopping at the Great Bend Walmart at the right time to save a life. In October, he performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a toddler in distress.

The American Red Cross honored Keller on Thursday for his heroic acts by awarding him a Lifesaving Award. 

The presentation took place at the Walmart Supercenter where the event occurred. Keller again met Nova Gomez, now 2 years old, and her mother Lacy Rodriguez.

Jane Blocher, Red Cross Greater Kansas Chapter executive director, presented a pin and an ARC certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action to Keller.

“Not all heroes wear capes but Eric will certainly be a hero to this young child forever,” Blocher said. “Eric was in the right place at the right time. Fortunately, he knew that emergencies can happen to anyone at any time and his prior CPR training gave him the skills to respond when the plea for help occurred.”

This is why the Red Cross offers live-saving training, Blocher said. “The Red Cross teaches first aid, CPR, and other response skills so you can help, too, because, in an emergency, help can’t wait.”

Barton County 911 dispatcher Samantha Brown stepped up after the presentation.

“I just wanted to meet you guys,” Brown said. “I’m the one that took the 911 call.”

Keller recalled that the scene was chaotic that day in October. “People were yelling for someone who knows CPR,” he said. 

Blocher said Keller exemplifies the mission of the Red Cross to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. “Congrats to Eric, and it is our hope that his heroic actions inspire others to get training in skills that can save lives!

“It’s especially meaningful that this happened in Barton County, Kansas. Barton County was named after our beloved founder of the American Red Cross, Clara Barton. She started our movement, teaching others to respond to emergencies. She was a nurse on the battlefield of the Civil War, tending to the soldiers that were wounded.

“Thank you again for putting your training into action and putting that action into compassionate care for others.”