CU-Lock Haven student saves child's life, honored with National Lifesaving Award

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What began as an ordinary day of classes last fall at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven quickly turned extraordinary when Mckenzi Brooks found herself in a position to help save a child's life.

Brooks, a psychology major from Mount Bethel, noted that on this particular day, she felt extra aware of her surroundings. When she glanced across Fairview Street, she noticed a woman on the phone in the yard, noticeably in distress. Another woman was close by, holding a baby in her arms. Brooks could tell right away that the baby was choking.

"Without hesitation, I ran over and did what I was trained to do," Brooks said. She told the women her name and that she was a lifeguard and certified in CPR and asked if she may help the child.

"In that moment, she handed me the baby with all of her trust," Brooks said. "I took the baby and started giving him back blows. While doing this, you want to make sure you're not doing it too hard and do it in an upward motion to get the food that is lodged to come out."

After performing five back blows, she turned the baby over to check his airway. When the object was still lodged in the infant's throat, she continued administering back blows while monitoring his breathing. Moments later, the baby dislodged the piece of apple blocking his airway, began breathing again, and was safely returned to his mother.

"I talked to the family to calm them down and help them realize it wasn't their fault," Brooks said. "Once the ambulance arrived, I gave a short statement of what had happened. Some of the EMTs asked if I was in school for nursing or was interested in becoming an EMT."

After speaking with first responders, Brooks made her way back to her residence hall.

"At first, it didn't hit me what I was doing; it felt like the right thing to do. After going home and reflecting, it felt like an honor to help the baby in need," she said.

Officer Andrew Fisher, of the Lock Haven City Police Department, was on duty that day and was dispatched to the scene where he witnessed Books providing lifesaving measures to the a one-year-old child.

"Brooks went out of her way to assist an unknown family in crisis and saved the life of a child," Fisher said. "She was back on her way in a matter of minutes after preventing a catastrophe. This act of selflessness did not go unnoticed by the Lock Haven Police Department and we are grateful to have such members in our community."

These are also the words he wrote in his nomination for Brooks to be considered for an American Red Cross-National Lifesaving Award.
I feel honored to be nominated for this award - but to be chosen is a whole different feeling. I feel as if anyone else in this situation would do their best to try to help," Brooks said.

"If you see something, do something" she added. "If you can get certified in CPR or first aid - it doesn't take long, and it's an easy life skill that one can learn to help save another life."

Brooks, who had never had to perform lifesaving measures to help someone before, was certified in CPR and first aid as part of her lifeguard training during the previous summer, where she practiced how to handle similar situations through her training.

"It's great to have young people involved and trained in First Aid and CPR as you never know when it may be needed," Fisher said. "We are grateful for Brooks' actions that prevented a different outcome."

During The Lock Haven City Hall meeting on April 20, Brooks was presented with the American Red Cross-National Lifesaving Award for her quick actions in helping save a child's life.

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