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Ask the Experts: Until Help Arrives
In an emergency, bystanders are the help until professionals arrive. Until Help Arrives, a course from the American Red Cross developed in collaboration with the American College of Emergency Physicians, educates and empowers bystanders to take action and provide lifesaving care if they are first on the scene during an emergency. Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council member Dr. Matthew Levy provides an overview of the course and what it covers.
WE ARE A
50+
member panel of nationally recognized medical, scientific, aquatics, and academic experts from across the country.
OUR
EXPERTISE
is the reason individuals, corporations, aquatics professionals, emergency responders and healthcare providers and professionals choose the American Red Cross for their training needs.
LEARN
MORE
SUBCOUNCILS
Every recommendation from the Scientific Advisory Council originates from one of five subcouncils, where the experts take a deep dive into the science behind the latest research.
Covering everything from water safety, to swim instruction and lifeguarding, this sub-council is all about preventing water emergencies, and providing the best teaching, rescue, resuscitation and transport techniques possible to aquatics professionals.
In addition to the study of Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and choking, this sub-council also assesses defribrillation and the best use of Automated External Defribrillators(AEDs).
Studying the emergency medical care of victims before they get to a hospital, this sub-council assesses the training of bystanders and professional emergency responders, whether they're administering aid on land, near water or in remote areas.
Covering the best ways to prepare for emergencies of every kind, from those that occur in the home to the regional disasters, this sub-council studies how to train people to be more resilient after hardship as well as how to keep communities whole and businesses operating. It also addresses how to give acute and chronic medical and mental care to disaster victims and the emergency staff caring for them.
The Education sub-council engages members of every other sub-council to identify effective methods for teaching the skills and procedures of Red Cross courses to individuals, corporations, and professionals. IT also seeks the best ways to help people gain the confidence and desire to step forward and use those skills to provide life-saving care when it's needed most.
Covering everything from water safety, to swim instruction and lifeguarding, this sub-council is all about preventing water emergencies, and providing the best teaching, rescue, resuscitation and transport techniques possible to aquatics professionals.
In addition to the study of cariopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and choking, this sub-council also assesses defribrillation and the best use of Automated External Defribrillators(AEDs).
Studying the emergency medical care of victims before they get to a hospital, this sub-council assesses the training of bystanders and professional emergency responders, whether they're administering aid on land, near water or in remote areas.
Covering the best ways to prepare for emergencies of every kind, from those that occur in the home to the regional disasters, this sub-council studies how to train people to be more resilient after hardship as well as how to keep communities whole and businesses operating. It also addresses how to give acute and chronic medical and mental care to disaster victims and the emergency staff caring for them.
The Education sub-council engages members of every other sub-council to identify effective methods for teaching the skills and procedures of Red Cross courses to individuals, corporations, and professionals. It also seeks the best ways to help people gain the confidence and desire to step forward and use those skills to provide life-saving care when it's needed most.
RECENT RESEARCH
The American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council relies on the latest science-based research to serve as a foundation for our programs and guidelines.
Barriers to Accessing Swim Lessons and Water Safety Information
Evaluating Water Competency Skill Attainment for Children
Pediatric Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest CPR Study
Hyperthermia
Lightning
Safety
for
Pools
Voluntary Hyperventilation Preceding Underwater Swim
(Hypoxic Blackout)
Drowning and
Abdominal
Thrusts
Jellyfish
Stings
Heat Related
Illnesses
Water Temperature for Aquatics
Pediatric Tourniquet Use
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
Hemostatic Agent
Minimum Age for Swimming Lessons
Burn Cooling
SCIENTIFIC REVIEWS
Every American Red Cross program is developed to adhere to relevant industry standards and guidelines and is based on emergency care research from around the globe.
American Red Cross Focused Updates and Guidelines 2022
CPR Skill
Retention
Heat Related
Illnesses
Water Rescue
Equipment
Drowning and Abdominal Thrusts
In Water Resuscitation
Equipment
Jellyfish
Stings
Critical
Incident
Stress
Debriefing (CISD)
Minimum Age for
Swimming
Lessons
Voluntary Hyperventilation Preceding Underwater Swim
(Hypoxic Blackout)
Water Temperature for Aquatics
Hand Hygiene
Burn Cooling
Compression Only CPR
Traumatic Brain Injury Osmotic Agents
Hemostatic Agent
Hyperthermia
Pediatric Tourniquet Use
IN THE MEDIA
Helping others prevent and prepare for disasters of every size - from household accidents to regional events - is what we do.
Florida Today
May 5, 2020 | Drownings still occur during quarantine; here's how to get prepared
Fox Business
April 19, 2020 | Coronavirus emergency kit: What you need to survive the pandemic
Government Technology
August 29, 2019 | Red Cross Stresses Network Support as Key to Emergency Preparedness
Chicago Tribune
June 11 2018 | There's no such thing as dry drowning, doctors say: 'This whole thing has totally been over-hyped'
International Journal of First Aid Education
September 2017 | When should a First-Aid Prodivider Stop CPR: Answer from the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council
TRAMEDIC™
August 15, 2017 | American Red Cross Now Incorporating Tourniquets Into Training
New York Magazine
June 29, 2015 | Dr. Jeffrey Pellegrino provides expert advice on what to do if you find your tongue stuck to a cold metal pole.
Woman's Day
December 1, 2014| Veterinarian Deborah Mandell offers guidance on keeping pets safe from holiday hazards
ABC NEWS
October 8, 2014 | Dr. Thomas Kirsch participated in a Twitter chat with ABC's Dr. Besser and offered tips about chasing away the flu.
HOW WE WORK
By using rigorous review and the most reliable
evidence-based
sources, the Advisory Council's work helps increase safety and save lives.
Here's
how we
work:
Sub-council members gather research from around the world.
Experts within the group study the data, evidence, and the science behind the research.
Sub-councils meet continuously to debate and discuss the evidence to decide how, if at all, the information should change their guidelines and Red Cross safety training materials.
Sub-Council recommendations are presented to the full Scientific Advisory Council to discuss, debate, and ratify as appropriate.
Educational materials are updated and changes are communicated to Red Cross instructors and may be shared with the public and media.
Sub-council members gather research from around the world.
Experts within the group study the data, evidence, and the science behind the research.
Sub-councils meet contuniously to debate and discuss the evidence to decide how, if at all, the information should change their guidelines and Red Cross safety training materials.
Sub-Council recommendations are presented to the full Scientific Advisory Council to discuss, debate, and ratify as appropriate.
Educational materials are updated and changes are communicated to Red Cross instructors and may be shared with the public and media.
MEMBERS
Our medical, scientific, and academic Advisory Council experts are at the vanguard of the best science – so you can protect yourself, and others, and provide help when it's needed most.
Nici Singletary
Co-Chair
MD, FACEP
Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Virginia
ILCOR Task Force Member
Joseph W. Rossano
Co-Chair
MD, MS, FAAP, FACC
Pediatric cardiologist and Chief of the Division of Cardiology Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Professor, University of Pennsylvania
William D. Ramos
MS, PhD
Sub-Council Chair
Assistant Professor
Indiana University
Angela K. Beale-Tawfeeq
PhD
Director of the Kinesiology Physical Activity Program
Template
University of Kinesiology, Director of Education and Research
for Diversity in Aquatics
Stephen J. Langendorfer
PhD
Professor Emeritus; Editor, International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education Bowling Green State University
Bridget L. McKinney
PhD(h), MS, BS
President/CEO PSWAP-Mentoring and Swim Organization, Inc
Linda Quan
MD, FAAP
Vice Chair Pediatric Emergency physician, Seattle Children's Hospital Professor, Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine
Peter G. Wernicki,
Sub-Council Vice Chair
MD, FAAOS
Orthopaedic Surgery, Pro Sports Clinical Assistant Professor, Orhopaedic Surgery, Florida State University, College of Medicine, Medical Advisor of the U.S. Lifesaving Association, Chair of the International Lifesaving Federation's Medical Committee
Dr. Jodi Jensen
Assistant Professor Director of Aquatics Hampton University
Dr. Kevin M. Ryan
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Boston University
Tamar L. Levene, MD MS
Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgeon Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Christopher Whipple, M.Ed., NREMT, AqP
President, Whipple Aquatics & Safety Emergency Department Specialist, Masonic Children’s Hospital
Ad Hoc Members
-
![Jason Tucker]()
Jason Tucker, Assistant Director, Aquatics, Indiana University
-
![Mark D. Miller]()
Mark D. Miller MS, Assistant Director of Aquatics, Indiana University
Joshua M. Tobin, MD
Sub-Council Chair
ASTM International WK56860 Tourniquet Standard Task Group Liaison; Adjunct Professor, Stanford University Medical Center; Captain, Medical Corps, U.S. Navy
Lynn White
MS, FAEMS
Sub-Council Vice Chair
Pre-hospital Guidelines Consortium Liaison
Colonel Richard N. Bradley,
MD, FACEP
Medical Group Commander, 147th Attack Wing, Texas Air National
Guard and Professor of Emergency Medicine and Chief of the
Division of Emergency Medical Services and Disaster Medicine at
the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth (Houston)
ILCOR Task Force Member
Wendell E. Jones
MD, MBA, CPE, FACP
Chief Medical Officer
Veteran's Intgrated Service, Network 17
Andrew MacPherson
MD, CCFP-EM, FCFP
Department of Emergency Medicine
Royal Jubilee Hospital
Ira Nemeth
MD
Assistant Professor in Emergency Medicine
University Mass
Memorial
North
Medical
Center
Lynn Boyle
MSN, RN, CCRN Nurse Manager, PICU
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Bruce J. Barnhart
MSN, RN, CEP Senior Program Manager
University of Arizona, Arizona Emergency Medical Research Center
Bryan F. McNally
MD, MPH
Professor Emergency Medicine Emory University Executive Director, Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES)
Bryan M. White
Lt. Col, USAF, MC, MD, FACC, FASE, RPVI
Heatherlee Bailey
MD, FAAEM, FCCM
Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Liaison, Durham VA Medical Center; Society of Critical Care Medicine
Catherine Margaret Kuza
MD
American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Liaison; Associate Professor, Associate Director of the Surgical ICU, Director of Trauma Research, University of Southern California
Lt Col Stephanie Streit
MD, FACS, USAF, MC
Trauma Medical Director, 99th Medical Group, United States Air Force, Nellis AFB, Nevada
Sarita A. Chung
MD, FAAP
Director of Disaster Preparedness, Associate Physician, Children’s Hospital, Boston; Assistant Professor in Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Sarah Copple
MSN, RNC-MNN, C-ONQS
Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) Liaison; Manager, Clinical Program Development, AWHONN
Ad Hoc Member
-
![Steven Pratt]()
Steven R. Pratt, MD, Neonatologist (retired)
Nathan P. Charlton, MD
Sub-Council Chair
Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine University of
Virginia
Health System
ILCOR Task Force Member
Elizabeth Kennedy Hewett
MD
Vice Chair
Children's Hospital Of Pittsburgh Of UPMC
Kris Arnold
MD, MPH, FACEP
Chief Medical Officer
ArLac Global Health Services
David Berry
PhD, MHA, AT, ATC, ATRIC, CKTP, GT Certified
Professor Professional Athletic Training Program Director Department of Kinesiology College Health and Human Services
ILCOR Task Force Member
Adelita G. Cantu
PhD, RN
Associate Professor University of Texas Health Science Center
Jestin Carlson
MD, MS, FACEP, National Director of Clinical Education
Director of Resident Research and Chair of the Institutional Review Board at Saint Vincent Hospital in Erie, PA.
Deanna Colburn Hostler
DPT, PhD, CCS
Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences University of Buffalo
Craig Goolsby
MD, MEd, FACEP
Associate Professor & Vice Chair, Education
Science Director, National Center for Disaster Medicine & Public
Health
ILCOR Task Force Member
Dr. Morgan Hillier
B. Kin, B.Sc, FRCPC, MSc
Emergency Physician
Medical Director
Toronto Fire Services
Angela Holian
PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacist
University of Virginia
Robin M. Ikeda
MD, MPH, USPHS
Deputy Director Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention
Dr. Vijay Kannan
MPH
Regional Director
Indian Health Service
Amy Kule
MD. FACEP
Assistant Professor, Emergency Medicine, Loyola
University Medical Center
ILCOR Task Force Member
Edward J.McManus, MD
Member, Selection Committee
I.D. Care, Inc./
I.D. Associate, P.A.
Dr. Nathaniel McQuay
Chief of Acute Care Surgery
Cleveland Medical Center
S. Robert Seitz
Sub-Council
MEd, RN, NRP
University of Pittsburgh Center of Emergency Medicine
Jeffrey S. Upperman
MD, FAAP, FAC
Surgeon-in-Chief as well as chair of the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Matthew J. Levy
DO, MSc, FACEP, FAEMS, NRP
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Howard County Government, Department of Fire and Rescue Services
Aaron M. Orkin
MD MSc MPH PhD CCFP(EM) FRCPC
Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto
Amita Sudhir
MD, Associate Professor
University of Virginia
Yolanda Malone-Gilbert, MD, MBA, FAPA
Chair, Psychiatry National Medical Association Emory University
Ad Hoc Members
-
![Tod Schimelpfenig]()
Tod Schimelpfenig, WEMT, EMT-1, FAWM, Curriculum
Director, NOLS Wilderness Medicine Institute
-
![Deborah C. Mandell]()
Deborah C. Mandell, VMD, ACVECC, Veterinary Hospital
of University of Pennslyvania
International Members Include:
-
Pascal Cassan MD: National Medical Advisor of the French Red Cross, Head of IFRC Global First Aid Reference Centre, ILCOR First Aid Task Force
Michael Kleeman, MA
Sub-Council Chair
Scientific Advisory Council Nomination Committee
Senior Research Fellow, UC San Diego
Dr. Steven J. Jensen,
MD, FAAOS
Advisor and Lecturer
California State University
Lauren M. Sauer
MS
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine
Samir K. Sinha
MD, DPhil, FRCPC
Director of Geriatrics Mount Sinai Hospital and Toronto University Health Network Hospitals
Jacqueline Snelling, MS
Individual & Community Preparedness Division, National Preparedness Directorate, FEMA
Dr. Theodore John Gaensbauer
FAPA, FAACAP
Clinical Pscychiatry Professor University of Colorado
James A. Judge II
Sub Council Senior Advisor
CEM, BPA
Emergency Management Director Department of Public Protection
Raj Pandya, PHD
Vice President, Community Science, American Geogphysical Union
Robert J. Lempert
Principal Researcher, RAND; Professor of Policy and Analysis, Pardee RAND Graduate School; Director, RAND Pardee Center for Longer-Range Global Policy and the Future Human Condition
Ad Hoc Members
-
![Frederick Burkle]()
Frederick "Skip" M. Burkle, Jr., CEM, BPA, Senior
Fellow & Scientist Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, Harvard
University
-
![Keith A. Ball]()
Keith A. Ball, MPS
-
![Nicoda Foster]()
Nicoda Foster, MPH, PhD(c), Project Manager, Office of the Director of Geriatrics, Sinai Health System and the University Health Network Hospital
-
![Thomas D. Kirsch]()
Thomas D. Kirsch, MD, MPH, FACEP, Director of National Center for
Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Professor of Uniformed Services
University of Health Sciences
Thomas E. Sather, Ed.D, MS, MSS, CAsP
CDR, MSC, USN
Sub-Council Chair
Academic Support (NMTSC), Assistant Professor (USUHS), Navy Medicine Training Support Center
Nicholas Asselin, DO, MS
Sub-Council Vice Chair
Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of EMS, Brown University
Rita V. Burke, PhD, MPH
Associate Professor, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine
Brian Miller, MS, MSEd, Med, CHES
Program Director
Health Sciences Chair
Mary Baldwin University
Gamze Ozogul, PhD
Indiana University, School of Education
Jeffrey L. Pellegrino, PhD, MPH, EMT-B/FF, EMS-I
Sub-Council Senior Advisor
Assistant Professor of Emergency Management & Homeland Security, University of Akron
Austin Haag, PhD, MHA, Mecon, M.Ed., LCDR, MSC, USN
William D. Ramos
MS, PhD
Sub-Council Chair
Assistant Professor
Indiana University
Angela K. Beale-Tawfeeq
PhD
Director of the Kinesiology Physical Activity Program
Template
University of Kinesiology, Director of Education and Research
for Diversity in Aquatics
Stephen J. Langendorfer
PhD
Professor Emeritus; Editor, International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education Bowling Green State University
Bridget L. McKinney
PhD(h), MS, BS
President/CEO PSWAP-Mentoring and Swim Organization, Inc
Linda Quan
MD, FAAP
Vice Chair Pediatric Emergency physician, Seattle Children's Hospital Professor, Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine
Peter G. Wernicki,
Sub-Council Vice Chair
MD, FAAOS
Orthopaedic Surgery, Pro Sports Clinical Assistant Professor, Orhopaedic Surgery, Florida State University, College of Medicine, Medical Advisor of the U.S. Lifesaving Association, Chair of the International Lifesaving Federation's Medical Committee
Dr. Jodi Jensen
Assistant Professor Director of Aquatics Hampton University
Dr. Kevin M. Ryan
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Boston University
Tamar L. Levene, MD MS
Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgeon Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
Christopher Whipple, M.Ed., NREMT, AqP
President, Whipple Aquatics & Safety Emergency Department Specialist, Masonic Children’s Hospital
Ad Hoc Members
-
![Jason Tucker]()
Jason Tucker, Assistant Director, Aquatics, Indiana University
-
![Mark D. Miller MS]()
Mark D. Miller MS, Assistant Director of Aquatics, Indiana University
Joshua M. Tobin, MD
Sub-Council Chair
ASTM International WK56860 Tourniquet Standard Task Group Liaison; Adjunct Professor, Stanford University Medical Center; Captain, Medical Corps, U.S. Navy
Lynn White
MS, FAEMS
Sub-Council Vice Chair
Pre-hospital Guidelines Consortium Liaison
Colonel Richard N. Bradley,
MD, FACEP
Medical Group Commander, 147th Attack Wing, Texas Air National
Guard and Professor of Emergency Medicine and Chief of the
Division of Emergency Medical Services and Disaster Medicine at
the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth (Houston)
ILCOR Task Force Member
Wendell E. Jones
MD, MBA, CPE, FACP
Chief Medical Officer
Veteran's Intgrated Service, Network 17
Andrew MacPherson
MD, CCFP-EM, FCFP
Department of Emergency Medicine
Royal Jubilee Hospital
Ira Nemeth
MD
Assistant Professor in Emergency Medicine
University Mass
Memorial
North
Medical
Center
Lynn Boyle
MSN, RN, CCRN Nurse Manager, PICU
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Bruce J. Barnhart
MSN, RN, CEP Senior Program Manager
University of Arizona, Arizona Emergency Medical Research Center
Bryan F. McNally
MD, MPH
Professor Emergency Medicine Emory University Executive Director, Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES)
Bryan M. White
Lt. Col, USAF, MC, MD, FACC, FASE, RPVI
Heatherlee Bailey
MD, FAAEM, FCCM
Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Liaison, Durham VA Medical Center; Society of Critical Care Medicine
Catherine Margaret Kuza
MD
American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Liaison; Associate Professor, Associate Director of the Surgical ICU, Director of Trauma Research, University of Southern California
Lt Col Stephanie Streit
MD, FACS, USAF, MC
Trauma Medical Director, 99th Medical Group, United States Air Force, Nellis AFB, Nevada
Sarita A. Chung
MD, FAAP
Director of Disaster Preparedness, Associate Physician, Children’s Hospital, Boston; Assistant Professor in Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Sarah Copple
MSN, RNC-MNN, C-ONQS
Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) Liaison; Manager, Clinical Program Development, AWHONN
Ad Hoc Members
-
![Steven Pratt]()
Steven R. Pratt, MD, Neonatologist (retired)
Nathan P. Charlton, MD
Sub-Council Chair
Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine University of
Virginia
Health System
ILCOR Task Force Member
Elizabeth Kennedy Hewett
MD
Vice Chair
Children's Hospital Of Pittsburgh Of UPMC
Kris Arnold
MD, MPH, FACEP
Chief Medical Officer
ArLac Global Health Services
David Berry
PhD, MHA, AT, ATC, ATRIC, CKTP, GT Certified
Professor Professional Athletic Training Program Director Department of Kinesiology College Health and Human Services
ILCOR Task Force Member
Adelita G. Cantu
PhD, RN
Associate Professor University of Texas Health Science Center
Jestin Carlson
MD, MS, FACEP, National Director of Clinical Education
Director of Resident Research and Chair of the Institutional Review Board at Saint Vincent Hospital in Erie, PA.
Deanna Colburn Hostler
DPT, PhD, CCS
Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences University of Buffalo
Craig Goolsby
MD, MEd, FACEP
Associate Professor & Vice Chair, Education
Science Director, National Center for Disaster Medicine & Public
Health
ILCOR Task Force Member
Dr. Morgan Hillier
B. Kin, B.Sc, FRCPC, MSc
Emergency Physician
Medical Director
Toronto Fire Services
Angela Holian
PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacist
University of Virginia
Robin M. Ikeda
MD, MPH, USPHS
Deputy Director Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention
Dr. Vijay Kannan
MPH
Regional Director
Indian Health Service
Amy Kule
MD. FACEP
Assistant Professor, Emergency Medicine, Loyola
University Medical Center
ILCOR Task Force Member
Edward J. McManus, MD
Member, Selection Committee
I.D. Care, Inc./
I.D. Associate, P.A.
Dr. Nathaniel McQuay
Chief of Acute Care Surgery
Cleveland Medical Center
S. Robert Seitz
Sub-Council
MEd, RN, NRP
University of Pittsburgh Center of Emergency Medicine
Jeffrey S. Upperman
MD, FAAP, FAC
Surgeon-in-Chief as well as chair of the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Matthew J. Levy
DO, MSc, FACEP, FAEMS, NRP
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Howard County Government, Department of Fire and Rescue Services
Aaron M. Orkin
MD MSc MPH PhD CCFP(EM) FRCPC
Assistant Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto
Amita Sudhir
MD, Associate Professor
University of Virginia
Yolanda Malone-Gilbert, MD, MBA, FAPA
Chair, Psychiatry National Medical Association Emory University
Ad Hoc Members
-
![Tod Schimelpfenig]()
Tod Schimelpfenig, WEMT, EMT-1, FAWM, Curriculum
Director, NOLS Wilderness Medicine Institute
-
![Deborah C. Mandell]()
Deborah C. Mandell, VMD, ACVECC, Veterinary Hospital
of University of Pennslyvania
International Members Include:
-
Pascal Cassan MD: National Medical Advisor of the French Red Cross, Head of IFRC Global First Aid Reference Centre, ILCOR First Aid Task Force
Michael Kleeman, MA
Sub-Council Chair
Scientific Advisory Council Nomination Committee
Senior Research Fellow, UC San Diego
Dr. Steven J. Jensen,
MD, FAAOS
Advisor and Lecturer
California State University
Lauren M. Sauer
MS
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine
Samir K. Sinha
MD, DPhil, FRCPC
Director of Geriatrics Mount Sinai Hospital and Toronto University Health Network Hospitals
Jacqueline Snelling, MS
Individual & Community Preparedness Division, National Preparedness Directorate, FEMA
Dr. Theodore John Gaensbauer
FAPA, FAACAP
Clinical Pscychiatry Professor University of Colorado
James A. Judge II
Sub Council Senior Advisor
CEM, BPA
Emergency Management Director Department of Public Protection
Raj Pandya, PHD
Vice President, Community Science, American Geogphysical Union
Robert J. Lempert
Principal Researcher, RAND; Professor of Policy and Analysis, Pardee RAND Graduate School; Director, RAND Pardee Center for Longer-Range Global Policy and the Future Human Condition
Ad Hoc Members
-
![Frederick Burkle]()
Frederick "Skip" M. Burkle, Jr., CEM, BPA, Senior
Fellow & Scientist Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, Harvard
University
-
![Keith A. Ball]()
Keith A. Ball, MPS
-
![Nicoda Foster]()
Nicoda Foster, MPH, PhD(c), Project Manager, Office of the Director of Geriatrics, Sinai Health System and the University Health Network Hospital
-
![Thomas D. Kirsch]()
Thomas D. Kirsch, MD, MPH, FACEP, Director of National Center for
Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Professor of Uniformed Services
University of Health Sciences
Thomas E. Sather, Ed.D, MS, MSS, CAsP
CDR, MSC, USN
Sub-Council Chair
Academic Support (NMTSC), Assistant Professor (USUHS), Navy Medicine Training Support Center
Nicholas Asselin, DO, MS
Sub-Council Vice Chair
Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of EMS, Brown University
Rita V. Burke, PhD, MPH
Associate Professor, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine
Brian Miller, MS, MSEd, Med, CHES
Program Director
Health Sciences Chair
Mary Baldwin University
Gamze Ozogul, PhD
Indiana University, School of Education
Jeffrey L. Pellegrino, PhD, MPH, EMT-B/FF, EMS-I
Sub-Council Senior Advisor
Assistant Professor of Emergency Management & Homeland Security, University of Akron
Austin Haag, PhD, MHA, Mecon, M.Ed., LCDR, MSC, USN
How We Work
Members
Sub-Councils
Scientific Reviews
Recent Research
In The Media
+
ROOTED IN SCIENCE
our team of nationally recognized experts studies the latest evidence-based data to create training programs to help save lives.
Create your classroom
using resources provided in the Instructor's Corner, and set your students up for success.
Want more
on the science, standards, and regulations behind our programs?
Read the latest from our most recent proceedings.
Become a Red Cross Instructor
Find a class near you
+
MORE
THAN
50
nationally recognized experts in emergency medicine, aquatics, occupational health, sports medicine, school health, healthcare and EMS response, disaster health and emergency preparedness study the latest proven science - which is the basis for all of our classes and recommendations.
Access the insights
from the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council, on everything from heat-related illness to acute coronary syndrome.
Want more
on the science, standards, and regulations behind our programs?
Read the latest from our most recent proceedings
Contact the Scientific Advisory Council
Contact us
+
THE SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY COUNCIL
has been developing expert training for medical professionals, first responders, and citizens for 20 years. We can help you find vetted, reliable information your readers, viewers and listeners can count on.
Question:
What's the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?
Answer:
A heart attack occurs
when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, causing part of the heart muscle to die.
Cardiac arrest occurs
when the heart stops beating or beats too ineffectively to circulate blood to the brain and other vital organs.
The American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council is comprised of doctors, scientists, medical professionals and industry experts who can provide insight and information on natural disaster scenarios, health-related data and more.
Click on the name of the sub-council for information on how to contact an expert.
+
WHEN EVERY MOMENT COUNTS
you can be the difference between life and death. Take a class and learn how to provide care when it's needed most.
Find a class near youGet the help you need to
help those in need.
Be ready at a
moment's notice
using the
Emergency
First Aid App.
RESOURCE
CENTER
+
ROOTED IN SCIENCE
our team of nationally recognized experts studies the latest evidence-based data to create training programs to help save lives.
Create your classroom
using resources provided in the Instructor's Corner, and set your students up for success
Want more
on the science, standards, and regulations behind our programs?
Read the latest from our most recent proceedings
+
MORE THAN 50
nationally recognized experts in emergency medicine, aquatics, occupational health, sports medicine, school health, healthcare and EMS response, disaster health and emergency preparedness study the latest proven science - which is the basis for all of our classes and recommendations.
Access the insights
from the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council, on everything from heat-related illness to acute coronary syndrome.
Want more
on the science, standards, and regulations behind our programs?
Read the latest from our most recent proceedings
+
THE SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY COUNCIL
has been developing expert training for medical professionals, first responders, and citizens for 20 years. We can help you find vetted, reliable information your readers, viewers and listeners can count on.
Question:
What's the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest?
Answer:
A heart attack occurs
when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, causing part of the heart muscle to die.
Cardiac arrest occurs
when the heart stops beating or beats too ineffectively to circulate blood to the brain and other vital organs.
The American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council is comprised of doctors, scientists, medical professionals and industry experts who can provide insight and information on natural disaster scenarios, health-related data and more.
Click on the name of the sub-council for information on how to contact an expert.
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WHEN EVERY MOMENT COUNTS
you can be the difference between life and death. Take a class and learn how to provide care when its needed most.
Find a class near youGet the help you need to help those in need.
Be ready at a moment's notice using the Emergency First Aid App.
Aquatics
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Joint Statement from the Red Cross, USA Swimming and the YMCA on Hypoxic Blackout and Shallow Water Blackout Terminology
It is our goal to educate the public about the risks of hypoxia in the water and help ensure that those we teach do not engage in behavior that could result in loss of consciousness and death. Read More
Aquatics
Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council Statement National Aquatic Staff Shortage
The Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council fully recognizes the challenges that aquatic facilities are facing with staffing shortages. The following statement provides some context, best practices and potential solutions for those delivering aquatic services. Read More
Resuscitation
The Evidence Behind the American Red Cross Focused Updates and Guidelines 2022 - (PDF)
Learn about the new 2022 focused updates that summarizes results of the scientific evidence evaluations and guideline reviews overseen by the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Red Cross Guidelines include recommended actions for healthcare professionals and emergency responders, as appropriate. Topics include Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Neonatal Life Support and Education Read More
Resuscitation
The Evidence Behind the American Red Cross Focused Updates and Guidelines 2021
Watch this video with Dr. Nici Singletary, co-chair of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council, discuss the key highlights of the recent release of the American Red Cross Focused Updates and Guidelines 2021. The cornerstone of this guidance is based on a broad spectrum of the latest evidentiary science. Topics covered include Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Neonatal Life Support and education. Watch Now
Preparedness
Closing the Gaps: Advancing Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery for Older Adults
In partnership with the American Academy of Nursing, attached is an informative SAC white paper with specific recommendations to improve disaster preparedness, response and recovery for older adults... Read More
Aquatics
Rip Currents - What Lies Beneath
by Dr. Peter G. Wernicki
As Hurricane Crisobal moves slowly up the Atlantic and Hurricane Marie tears through the Pacific, they are bringing high surf to vacation spots along both coasts and tempting surfers and adventurous swimmers to run headlong into the beckoning waves... Read More
How can I reach the Scientific Advisory Council? ![expand-more]()
For those interested in submitting a question to the Scientific Advisory Council, please contact the American Red Cross.
I'd like to stay up to date on the latest research from the Scientific Advisory
Council. How can I do that? ![expand-more]()
I'd like to share my expertise with a broader audience. How can I join the
Scientific Advisory Council? ![expand-more]()
American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council members are volunteers who serve on a SAC Sub-Council focusing on training content research, such as First Aid, Aquatics, Resuscitation, Education and Disaster/Preparedness. Each year American Red Cross SAC chairs evaluate appointments and retirements of the SAC Members. They look for people who are particularly active within their field, including academic or practical involvement within their medical field at the local state or regional level. Membership selection is based on an interview and whether a member with a specific knowledge and expertise is needed. For those who share in a passion for science, are active in research or clinical work and are interested in becoming a SAC panel member volunteer, please contact the American Red Cross.
You can also volunteer at the local Red Cross chapter level. You can learn more at help.
WHO WE WORK WITH
Over the last 20 years, the Scientific Advisory Council has worked with organizations far and wide. And while they number into the thousands, there are a select few that we communicate with again and again - and we think you might also like to get to know them too.
Emblems and logos are used with permission of each organization.