Red Cross Recognition

KENNESAW, Ga. | Jan 28, 2019

KSU student honored for lifesaving efforts

When Kennesaw State student Brittany Ingenito completed her American Red Cross CPR certification on June 13, 2018, she had no idea she would put it to use in a real-life emergency the very next day.

Ingenito stopped to help a motorcyclist who was badly injured in an accident on Due West Road in Dallas, Ga. She knew from her training what to do, such as leaving the man’s helmet on and not raising his head. While talking with a 911 operator, Ingenito gave chest compressions to the man until emergency medical technicians arrived and took over.

“I didn’t think about it – I just jumped in to help,” said Ingenito, 22, an exercise science major in the WellStar College of Health and Human Services. “A common question in class is, ‘What if I freeze in a situation like that?’ But when I saw what had happened, I just knew I had to help – because I thought, ‘I know what to do.’”

For her quick action and caregiving efforts, Ingenito was honored Friday with the Red Cross Lifesaving Award and Certificate of Merit. It is the highest award the organization gives to someone who utilizes their Red Cross training and skills to voluntarily help to save or sustain a person’s life.

Brittany Ingenito

Ingenito has been CPR certified through the American Heart Association since she was 17 years old. She then earned several Red Cross certifications through Kennesaw State, in administering CPR and first aid, teaching CPR, utilizing an automated external defibrillator (AED) and providing CPR/first aid to children.

The senior from Dallas, Ga., admits to having wondered at times if she ever would put those skills into actual practice. She hopes that her experience last summer is an example that anyone can step in to help in a moment’s notice – regardless of how much formal training they have.

“I hope what other people would take from this is to stop and help,” Ingenito said. “Anything can help. Even if you just call 911, you’ve done something.”

Along with all the hands-on training she has gained through her Red Cross certification courses at KSU, Ingenito credits the exercise science faculty with preparing her well for her career. She is on track to graduate in December and wants to become a physical therapist in either pediatrics or athletics.

“I feel that KSU helped me grow,” Ingenito said. “I have matured so much as I’ve been attending here. Being part of KSU has helped me a lot in just being a better person.”

– Paul Floeckher

Photos by Lauren Kress

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.