The South Shore YMCA hosted a special awards ceremony today at the Emilson YMCA to honor the staff whose swift, skilled response saved the life of a member experiencing sudden cardiac arrest on January 20.
What began as a routine afternoon workout for member Sean Sylvester quickly turned into a life‑or‑death emergency. Sean collapsed on the fitness floor in sudden cardiac arrest. Within seconds, Emilson YMCA staff recognized the emergency and launched into action, initiating CPR immediately, deploying the AED without hesitation, and coordinating seamlessly with arriving first responders. Their rapid response was credited by physicians as the direct reason Sean survived.
“Because of this team, a father, a brother, and a friend is alive today,” said Trevor Williams, President & CEO of the South Shore YMCA, who opened the ceremony. “This wasn’t just a lifesaving moment, it was a YMCA moment. A mission moment. And one that reminds us why the Y matters.”
Although Sean could not attend the ceremony, his family shared their gratitude, noting, “Our children still have their dad because of what happened inside the YMCA.”
Off‑Duty EMT Commends YMCA Team
Among the witnesses that day was Emilson Y member Billy Blake, an off‑duty EMT. After observing staff already performing high‑quality CPR and AED intervention, he realized the team was fully in control of the situation.
“Early CPR and early defibrillation were initiated immediately, and less than two minutes later the patient was upright and speaking,” Blake said. “Their training, competence, teamwork, and compassion likely saved his life.”
Blake added that watching the Emilson YMCA team perform has given him tremendous confidence in the safety of his own family and friends when they are at the Y.
Training Behind the Triumph
During the ceremony, Ashley Genrich Bishop, Associate Executive Director of the Emilson YMCA, highlighted the rigorous and ongoing training that prepares staff for these critical moments. YMCA employees participate in frequent in‑service emergency drills focusing on rapid recognition, coordinated response, and lifesaving intervention.
“Emergency preparedness isn’t something we talk about once a year, it’s something we practice consistently across all departments,” Genrich Bishop said, adding that the Emilson YMCA is proud to serve as an official American Red Cross training site where many staff and members of the community earn their lifesaving certifications. In recognition of their actions during the incident, these individuals will also receive a Lifesaving Award from the American Red Cross.
A Culture of Training and Preparedness
Dan Berry, Vice President of Emilson Operations, who oversees between 400 and 500 employees at the Emilson branch, depending on the season, highlighted the importance of training every staff member to be prepared for such a lifesaving outcome.
“We prepare for this. We train for this. We’re ready for situations like this,” Berry said. “In my 12 years here, we’ve seen several lifesaving events, and every time, this team responds without hesitation. That comes from training, muscle memory, and a deep commitment to our community.”
Lifesaving Awards Presented
Berry and Williams then presented Lifesaving Awards to the staff members directly involved in saving Sean’s life:
- Sarah Cavalear, Assistant Aquatics Director
- Stephanie Costa, Health & Wellbeing Director
- Matthew Farias, Health & Wellbeing Staff Member
- Tripp Kelly, Aquatics Director
- Jackson O’Brien, Aquatics Training Manager
The Y also recognized three additional staff members whose coordination and clear communication played a critical supporting role:
- Adrienne Ciulla
- Michelle Daley
- Gary Maguire
“This is why we train, drill, and talk about readiness every day,” said Berry. “In an emergency, we don’t rise to the occasion, we rise to our level of preparation. This team rose to that level and beyond. To lead a team that responds with such professionalism and heart… I’m truly blessed.”
A Mission Lived Out
In closing the ceremony, Trevor Williams praised the staff for embodying the YMCA’s core purpose.
“You brought skill, clarity, and courage to a moment where every second mattered,” Williams said. “You didn’t just strengthen a life, you saved one.”
Learn to be a Life Saver
The South Shore YMCA is a four-time award-winning American Red Cross Training Provider. We train more individuals in life-saving land and water rescue skills than any other facility in New England. American Red Cross certifications are recognized by aquatic facilities, workplaces, and healthcare organizations nationwide. Learn how you can learn life-saving skills through programs such as Lifeguard Training, CPR/AED, First Aid and more.
American Red Cross Training at the Y