LIFESAVER: Emily Haskins

By Russell Slater

Always expect the unexpected. Cadet 2nd Lt. Emily Haskins, of the Thunderbird Composite Squadron (Utah Wing), learned just that when she saved the life of senior CAP member 1st Lt. Alanna Mabey on June 28. When Mabey was choking during lunchtime, Haskins was quick to assess the situation and spring into action. Utilizing her lifesaving training, Haskins performed the Heimlich maneuver in order to clear Mabey’s obstruction, allowing her to literally breathe a sigh of relief.

THERE WAS A PROBLEM

When 15-year-old Hasksins attended a training encampment in Wendover, Utah over the summer, she couldn’t imagine the events that were to unfold. 1st Lt. Alanna Mabey, a senior member of the Phoenix Cadet Squadron, mother of two other cadets, was working in the logistics hut when Haskins brought her a mid-day meal. Just prior to leaving the hut, Mabey attempted to address Haskins when the young cadet sensed there was a problem.

Haskins recalled, “I was actually about to walk out the door when she asked me a question about my day, causing me to linger and answer, then she took the bite that could have been her last.”

Mabey remembers, “I was eating chicken, and then coughed. You know how you inhale when you cough? Some chicken went down the wrong way, and got stuck in my throat. I just couldn’t get it out.”

JUMPED INTO ACTION

As Mabey made noises that indicated choking, Haskins realized what was happening, and took immediate steps to help.

“Emily jumped right into action,” Mabey said. “She recognized what was happening.”

Having been previously trained in the techniques of the Heimlich maneuver, Haskins performed the procedure, and after about ten thrusts, was successful in clearing the blockage.

Haskins originally gained in-depth knowledge of the Heimlich maneuver when she and her squadron received first aid and CPR certification several years ago. Given her hands-on experience in putting the maneuver into practice, she likes to help teach others how to save a life when they find themselves in similar situations.

“Sometimes I teach the Heimlich to a few people,” Haskins said. “Whether it’s for my church youth program, in squadron meetings, or just to an individual.”

LOVE OF KNOWLEDGE

Although she doesn’t have a specific taste for aviation and aerospace, Haskins loves being a member of Civil Air Patrol nonetheless.

“I want to be a marine biologist,” Haskins said. As far as CAP is concerned, “People ask me all of the time, ‘why did you join CAP?’ The simple answer: I love the knowledge I gain, the leadership opportunities, the fun activities, and people I get to meet.”

Mabey said, “She saved my life. My whole family loves her to death. She’ll always have a special place in our hearts.”

“I really like to help people,” continued Haskins. “I love learning how to help, as well as the skills involved, such as navigation, first aid, and survival. It brings a sense of worth and value to a persons’ life — your own, or others’ — when you save someone. The whole experience is very much an eye-opener. It’s something I would never hesitate to do again.”

LIFESAVER

In recognition of her quick-thinking, Haskins received the Civil Air Patrol Lifesaving Award ribbon for the Rocky Mountain Region. She has also been nominated for a National Lifesaving Award as well.

“It feels good to know that I was there at the right moment, with the knowledge I needed, and was able to save her life,” Haskins said. “It is sincerely a blessing to be able to be there and help one of my best friends, my mentor, and fellow CAP member.”

Mabey said of Haskins, “I appreciate her more than she will ever know.”

*Originally published in CAP Volunteer Magazine