News

SUNY Fulton-Montgomery Community College proudly announces that nursing student Rebecca Guarino (Class of 2025) has been presented with the American Heart Association’s Heartsaver Hero Award. The Heartsaver Hero Award honors individuals who step in to perform CPR on a bystander, significantly improving that person’s chance of survival.

Guarino received this honor for performing lifesaving CPR, alongside another nurse, on a community member during a holiday party at a rural church during the 2024 holiday break. Together, they provided high-quality CPR for approximately 16 minutes, until EMS arrived and transferred the patient to a hospital. The patient went on to make a full recovery.

Guarino received the award during a Monday morning lecture attended by students, staff, and faculty, including SUNY FMCC Nursing Instructor Lisa Rendina, who nominated her for the recognition.

“We are so proud of Rebecca for providing lifesaving CPR to her friend and fellow community member and for not hesitating to apply her learning,” said Rendina. “Rebecca is an example of how nurses are powerful members of the health care community who help save lives in and outside of the hospital. Her story reminds us that knowing CPR is especially important in rural areas, where it may take EMS longer to arrive on scene. Every minute counts when providing CPR until the patient can get to the hospital.”

To learn more about the Heartsaver Hero Award and CPR training, please visit the American Heart Association’s website at www.heart.org.