Bryan Hlavinka, a post-baccalaureate biochemistry student working with the Curran Nanophysics Research Group at the 91猎奇, has been awarded the American Red Cross Lifesaving Certificate of Merit, the organization鈥檚 highest civilian honor for individuals who use their training to save or sustain a life. The award, signed by the President of the United States, recognizes Hlavinka鈥檚 quick response during a medical emergency in an organic chemistry lab.
The incident occurred during the group鈥檚 final major lab experiment about a year ago. The procedure required a completely water-free environment, and students were using heat guns to dehydrate glassware. A fellow student accidentally burned herself and disclosed to Hlavinka that she had medical conditions that could escalate quickly. Moments later, she began coughing, struggling to breathe, and showing signs of an allergic reaction.
Hlavinka immediately recognized the seriousness of the situation and relied on his Red Cross first aid and CPR training. He retrieved her inhaler and EpiPen from her bag and helped her self-administer them while she remained conscious. He then directed the teaching assistant to bring ice to reduce the reaction and monitor her condition until EMTs arrived. 鈥淎ll of the emergency action plan training I learned at the rec center kicked in immediately,鈥� he said.
The story later came up during a CPR instructor course, where Hlavinka鈥檚 instructor recognized the significance of his actions. Although he initially felt unsure about accepting recognition, sharing that it 鈥渄idn鈥檛 feel heroic,鈥� he moved forward with support from the student he helped and his Red Cross supervisor.
The Lifesaving Certificate of Merit came with a medal, a challenge coin, and a formal certificate. It is the oldest and most prestigious lifesaving award issued by the Red Cross. 鈥淚t still feels surreal,鈥� Hlavinka said. 鈥淚 never expected anything like this.鈥�
Cara Green, Hlavinka鈥檚 supervisor on the Rec Center鈥檚 Red Manikin Drill Team, his CPR instructor trainer and the UH Aquatics Program Director, was also honored by the American Red Cross. She received the Lifesaving Instructor Award, which recognizes instructors whose quality teaching prepares others to respond effectively in real emergencies. The award highlights the vital role educators play in giving people the skills and confidence to save lives.
Green said Hlavinka鈥檚 actions demonstrated the critical impact of lifesaving training on campus.
鈥淢edical emergencies can happen to anyone at any time, and having someone nearby who is trained to provide First Aid/CPR/AED can be imperative in saving or sustaining a life,鈥� Green said. 鈥淩ed Cross research shows that CPR can triple a person鈥檚 chance of survival in a cardiac emergency, and that survival chances decrease by 10% for every minute that CPR and the use of an AED is delayed.鈥�
She added that watching Hlavinka put his skills into action was deeply meaningful for their team. 鈥淏ryan is an amazing person already, and I am so proud that the training we provided him with helped him to jump into action in a scary situation,鈥� she said. 鈥淗is ability to act quickly saved that student鈥檚 life.鈥�
She noted that UH Campus Recreation plays a significant role in campus safety. 鈥淲e are one of the campus鈥檚 largest student employers, and one of our goals is to help them learn and grow as young adults and young professionals,鈥� Green said. 鈥淥ur CPR training is mandatory for all student employees, and it helps them create a safe environment in the Rec, while also increasing the number of trained responders across campus.鈥�
UH Campus Recreation offers Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR and AED training for all Campus Rec student employees. External groups, including student organizations, faculty and staff, may request certification sessions by contacting Green at cagreen6@uh.edu. Instructor-level training is reserved for Rec student leaders and the Red Manikin Drill Team.
Hlavinka continues his academic work in nanophysics and biochemistry, balancing research with a deepened commitment to preparedness and service. 鈥淲hat matters to me isn鈥檛 who provides the aid 鈥� just knowing someone is ready to act,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f more people get trained, more people will be ready when it counts.鈥�