Franklin College student honored for life-saving actions

The medical emergencies did not allow any room for nerves.

Emma McLeish had been well-trained by the American Red Cross, ready to spring into action when people around her were in peril. And twice in 2023, her training helped save lives — once when delivering a neighbor’s baby, the other when reviving a man in cardiac arrest.

But as friends, family and supporters came to honor her on Tuesday morning, she admitted being nervous.

“It’s a little overwhelming. Still, it means a lot. I’m happy that I was nominated, so it’s a real honor,” she said.

During a special ceremony on Franklin College’s campus, McLeish was presented with the American Red Cross’s Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders. The honor, which has been given since 1911, is the highest award given by the Red Cross to individuals who save or sustain a life using skills learned in Red Cross training.

McLeish’s heroic actions exemplified all the award was created for, Red Cross officials said.

“This action exemplifies the highest degree of concern for one human being for another who is in distress. That’s what the American Red Cross is about, and that’s why we’re so proud of you,” said Candy Hester, board member for the Southeast Chapter of the Red Cross in Indiana.

McLeish is a junior exercise science major at Franklin College with plans to pursue a career in the medical field. She comes from a long tradition of health care professionals — her mother and grandmother are nurses.

As part of the exercise science program, McLeish and her classmates go through Red Cross Training Services courses to learn skills such as CPR, basic life support, using automated external defibrillators and first aid.

“We’re an authorized provider to teach Red Cross classes here at Franklin College, which means that the Red Cross approves our site to be a training facility,” said Kim Eiler, professor of exercise science at the college.

McLeish found herself tapping into that training in July of 2023. While she was babysitting for a close friend, the pregnant mother of the children suddenly went into labor. Almost immediately, the head of the baby was beginning to crown. The situation called for immediate intervention, and McLeish went to work.

She called 911 before focusing on the mother, helping to deliver the infant. Once the baby was out, she stimulated to baby to cry and breathe, then put her on the mom’s chest to keep her warm until first responders arrived.

The baby was completely healthy thanks to her actions.

“In any situation, there always has to be that person who remains calm. Even though my mind was racing, and I couldn’t believe this was actually happening, I was trained to remain calm so I knew I had to in order to save a life,” McLeish said.

McLeish’s second heroic turn came in October. While working at Mount Pleasant Christian Church’s Community Life Center fitness facility when she heard another member of staff yelling to call 911. She then approached the commotion, where a man in his 50s was lying on the floor with a blue face and no pulse.

Determining that the man was suffering from cardiac arrest, McLeish quickly explained the situation to the 911 dispatcher still on the phone. She gave chest compressions and informed the dispatcher she was going to deliver a shock using an AED.

McLeish continued giving him CPR until the firefighters arrived. The man is recovering, but she was assured that the outcome would have been different if she had not intervened.

“Her training from the American Red Cross allowed Emma to react quickly and competently to save lives,” Eiler said as she introduced during Tuesday’s ceremony. “We’re here to celebrate Emma’s achievements in two challenging situations.”

During Tuesday’s ceremony, Hester presented McLeish with a certificate while extolling her level-headed response to the emergencies.

“Emma, for you to step up and do the things you did, I want you to know that while you’re getting an award here today, this piece of paper and a pin, look around the room here and soak it in. I can’t wait to hear five years, 10 years about what you’re doing,” she said.

Hester also had a surprise in store for Eiler: the Lifesaving Instructor Award from the Red Cross, one of the highest awards given to instructors who teach the skills that help to save or sustain life. Together, the instructor and student accepted their awards and posed for photographs.

McLeish took the opportunity to show her gratitude, both to the Red Cross and to all of the people who had helped reach this point in her life.

“Thank you all for coming, I really appreciate it. You all mean so much to me, and I wouldn’t be here without you,” McLeish said.