Springs Woman Named EMS Service Provider of the Year in the State

One of Springs' most dedicated emergency medical service volunteers is being recognized for her swift actions that helped to save a man's life on an Amagansett beach last summer.

Karen L. Haab, an advanced emergency medical technician with the Springs Fire Department, will be honored Friday as the Firemen's Association of New York's EMS Provider of the Year during the organization's annual convention in Albany.

On Aug. 4, 2012 — the day of the Clamshell Foundation's annual Sand Castle Contest — Haab was enjoying time with family and friends at Atlantic Avenue Beach when she noticed an elderly man, later identified as 77-year-old Stuart Herman, being removed from the water.

She jumped into action, stabilized his head to protect his cervical spine, and trying to find out what happened in the water. According to the report she gave FASNY, "He mumbled a few words and suddenly his face turned blue and saliva began to fill his mouth."

Haab asked a former EMT, who was standing nearby, to take over stabalizing his head while she checked for a pulse.

The man had stopped breathing. Haab started cardiopulomary resusitation.

Meanwhile, a lifeguard ran for an automatic external defribillator, cervical collar and backboard. After he was dried off, the AED pads were placed on him, and his heart rhythm was analyzed. Eventually, a shock was advised and administered.

A quad helped remove the man from the beach while Haab continued to perform CPR.

"It be noted that all through this time there were no airway adjuncts or bag valve masks available," the statement explains.

The Amagansett Fire Department emergency medical technicians met them in the parking lot, where another shock was advised before they loaded him into the ambulance.

His pulse returned en route to Southampton Hospital, and he was able to breath on his own. By the time they arrived at the emergency room, Herman was calling for his wife, Sarah.

It wasn't until October that Haab and the other people involved in his rescue found he had broken his neck in two places and that he had made a full recovery. East Hampton Town Lifeguards Captain Edward Reid was handed a letter from the Hermans thanking everyone for saving his life.

The second lieutenant of the ambulance squad, Haab served for many years as the first lieutenant.

Springs Fire Chief Ben Miller said that First Lieutenant James W. Gledhill nominated Haab for the FASNY award. "She's very dedicated," he said. "Of course, the department is extremely proud. She's well deserving."

A presentation will be done locally sometime after Labor Day, the chief said.

The fire department has recognized Haab's service before — she was named Emergency Medical Service Personnel of the Year in 2012. She's been a member for over 12 years, first joining as an EMT, and then later gaining the higher certification. She is also a firefighter.