Idaho Mountain Express: Parks employee saves choking child

Friday, August 10, 2012

Parks employee saves choking child

Heimlich maneuver, swift action credited in rescue

By BRENNAN REGO
Express Staff Writer

Ketchum Mayor Randy Hall commended Parks and Recreation Department Recreation Center Supervisor Maggie Burbridge on Monday for her successful efforts in performing the Heimlich maneuver on a young participant in the department's Summer Youth Program.

On July 30, Burbridge noticed a child choking during the lunch hour at Atkinson Park. Burbridge "reacted quickly" and performed the rescue procedure successfully, Hall said at a City Council meeting Monday.

Phone calls to 911 and the youth's parents were made and the child was transported to St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center for treatment. The child returned to the program July 31 and was able to participate fully in all activities.

The Parks and Recreation Department's Summer Youth Program sees an average of 330 participants between the ages of 8 and 16 each season. Burbridge is one of three management professionals who oversee the program's participants and 25 employees. She has worked with the Ketchum Parks and Recreation Department for more than a decade.

"The staff is trained at the beginning of each season by Ketchum emergency medical services personnel regarding first aid, rescue breathing and other emergency rescue techniques," states a Parks and Recreation Department news release. "Maggie's swift action, scene awareness and control are to be commended along with other recreation department personnel who were present during this situation."

Hall was all smiles when he commended Burbridge for her successful rescue.

"I've got to tell you, there are a lot of people who are happy that you did what you did. Keep your practice up, 'cause you'll have my daughter there pretty soon," Hall said.

Parks and Recreation Department Director Jennifer Smith also expressed thanks for Burbridge's actions.

"Candidly, Maggie should be considered among the city's most valued employees," Smith said.

Brennan Rego: brego@mtexpress.com

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