American Red Cross Honors Batesville YMCA Staff

Josh Eckstein and Connie Fledderman were honored on November 11.

(Batesville, Ind.) - On November 11, two Batesville YMCA staff members were recognized by the American Red Cross for their heroic actions that helped save a life this past July. 

On July 22, Lifeguard Josh Eckstein used his American Red Cross training in First Aid/CPR/AED to save a victim struggling in the YMCA swimming pool. Connie Fledderman, a staff member at the facility, stepped in to assist with the response.

After rescuing the victim from the pool, the two went to work to assess vitals which determined the victim was not breathing and had no pulse. 

Josh began CPR while Connie connected AED pads and power. The AED determined that a shock was advised, to which Connie delivered the shock.

While CPR continued, EMTs were led to the scene who took over. The victim was transported to the local hospital, where he survived.  

Eckstein and Fledderman each received a Red Cross Lifesaving Award at the ceremony at the Southeastern Indiana YMCA in Batesville.

Eckstein received the Red Cross Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders, and Fledderman received the Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action.

The Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders, given to Eckstein, is the highest award issued by the Red Cross to individuals who save or sustain a life using skills learned in a Red Cross Training Services course.

The Certificate of Extraordinary Person Action, given to Fledderman, is granted to recognize those who step up in an emergency and help save or sustain a life.

“We’re proud to recognize Connie and Josh,” said Donna Colon, executive director of the American Red Cross of Southeast Indiana. “Their actions exemplify our mission to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.”

Photo provided.