Palmer librarian saves coworker with Heimlich maneuver

WASILLA — Palmer Library Director Beth Skow recently received an employee appreciation award from Mayor Edna DeVries and city officials for quickly and effectively responding to an emergency situation at the workplace.

“That was outstanding,” DeVries said.

Skow’s coworker was eating a meal and started to choke on her food. DeVries said that the coworker went to Skow for help who responded in an instant, “without a word.”

“It was a life and death situation, so that was really heroic. We really appreciate her,” DeVries said.

According to DeVries, Skow is very humble and didn’t want her recognition tied in with any public meetings, so they held a private ceremony in the council chambers.

“She certainly didn’t want a lot of fanfare… I think that’s the way all heroes are,” DeVries said.

Skow has been at the library for many years and proven to be invaluable time and time again, according to DeVries. She thanked Skow for her help navigating the library through the COVID crisis.

“Not only was I pleased how she saved our employees’ lives but also doing her best for the Palmer community,” DeVries said. “It’s just another factor in the great community that we live in. Palmer as you know, is ‘Alaska at its best’ and that just proves that model or slogan time after time.”

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com