When a driver became unresponsive in traffic last year, Matthew Lynch, Issues Resolution manager at Independence Blue Cross (IBX), didn’t hesitate. He quickly began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), a skill he learned just months earlier, and saved the person’s life.
“Bystander CPR can double or triple survival rates. You don’t need to be certified, you just need to be trained and willing to act,” Lynch shared.
His actions have earned him national recognition. Lynch was named one of just five honorees in the inaugural American Heart Association (AHA) Nation of Lifesavers Class of 2026, which highlights individuals who take action in life-threatening situations.
Lynch has also helped promote CPR awareness through IBX wellness initiatives, including organizing CPR training events as part of Men’s Health Month. He also shared his message with a wider audience on PHL17 during National CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Awareness Week. He emphasized the importance of being prepared to act in an emergency and encouraged more people to learn these lifesaving skills.
“I hope this story inspires others to take preparation seriously,” he said. “It saves lives.”