On Monday, June 18, 2012, the American Red Cross in partnership with Special People In Northeast Inc.(SPIN inc), proudly honored Direct Support Professional, Dauda Kamara, as he received the distinguished Certificate of Merit, signed by the President of the United States, for his act of heroism in performing life sustaining CPR to an individual who was under his care.
It was on August 22, 2011 that Dauda utilized the training skills that he acquired at SPIN Inc. to perform CPR and First Aid on an individual in medical crisis. The paramedics arrived and transported the individual to the hospital where it was learned that he had suffered a heart attack. Due to Dauda’s immediate and skilled response in administering CPR and rescue breathing the person in crisis did not experience a total loss of oxygen enabling his blood and oxygen to flow to vital organs. The medical personnel and SPIN Inc. Health Services Department determined that his heart attack could have been fatal without quick and capable action.
During Monday’s ceremony, Dauda proudly received the Certificate of Merit from Judge Renee Hughes, CEO of the American Cross. He was also acknowledged with a Citation presented by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and delivered by Legislative Aide, Jon Hood, on behalf of Representatives Kevin Boyle, Brendan Boyle and Mike McGeehan. Additionally, staff from State Senator Christine Tartaglione’s office offered congratulations to Dauda.
The heartfelt and inspirational event culminated when Dauda addressed the audience and thanked his family, managers and mentors who happen to be Sierra Leoneans (Abdul Hassan and Francis C. Sesay) for all that they’ve done to support and guide him. But, the most poignant moment of the afternoon occurred when Dauda reflected on the dedicated work that his fellow Direct Support Professionals perform on a daily basis and then accepted the recognition on behalf of all of his colleagues.
It was a shining moment for Dauda and indeed a shining moment for SPIN Inc. and the tiny West African State, Sierra Leone.
Dauda currently resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in health services administration.
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Newspaper in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
