3-Year-Old Saved by First Responder in Manchester

Choking victim reunites with the firefighter who performed life-saving techniques to dislodge a piece of candy blocking her airway.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:34pm

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A 3-year-old girl named Mariana Tapia-Garcia was choking on a piece of candy and near death when her family rushed her to the Manchester Volunteer Fire Department. Lt. Anthony Cavanaugh, a 7-year veteran paramedic, quickly performed back blows to dislodge the candy and save the child's life. Mariana's family returned to the firehouse to thank Cavanaugh for his quick actions.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the critical importance of first responders being properly trained in life-saving techniques, especially for pediatric emergencies. It also underscores how quickly a choking situation can become life-threatening, and the value of community members knowing basic CPR and first aid.

The details

Mariana's mother, Paola Garcia, said when they arrived at the firehouse, Mariana's airway was completely obstructed and she was unable to cough or cry. Lt. Cavanaugh immediately took Mariana, performed back blows, and was able to dislodge the piece of candy, saving her life. Cavanaugh said this was the first time in his 7-year career that his actions alone had saved someone's life.

  • Mariana Tapia-Garcia turned 3 years old just a week before the choking incident.
  • The emergency call came in at the Manchester Volunteer Fire Department on March 13, 2026.

The players

Mariana Tapia-Garcia

A 3-year-old girl who was choking on a piece of candy and was saved by a first responder.

Paola Garcia

Mariana's mother, who rushed her daughter to the fire department when she began choking.

Lt. Anthony Cavanaugh

A 7-year veteran paramedic at the Manchester Volunteer Fire Department who performed life-saving back blows to dislodge the candy and save Mariana's life.

Andy Franklin

The chief of the Manchester Volunteer Fire Department, who praised the training and quick actions of his firefighters.

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What they’re saying

“When I saw that the candy went way beyond her throat.They couldn't get it out.She started bleeding from her nose, and I was like, 'Okay, she can't breathe anymore,'”

— Paola Garcia, Mariana's mother

“They handed me the child.The child was not coughing and was not crying at all so that's an indication that their airway is obstructed. So I took the child from them, did some back blows as we've been taught for pediatric airway compromise and I was able to dislodge the piece of candy.”

— Lt. Anthony Cavanaugh, Paramedic

“We train for hours and hours and hours a year and the one time you use it, it pays off.”

— Andy Franklin, Fire Department Chief

“This is the ultimate goal of what we do, right?When we have a chance to truly make a difference in somebody's life and truly save a life, it gives them a chance to continue on with their life.”

— Lt. Anthony Cavanaugh, Paramedic

“I thank him every day, because if it wasn't for him, I don't know what could have happened. It's a scary moment and I wish nothing ever, ever happens again like that.”

— Paola Garcia, Mariana's mother

What’s next

The Manchester Volunteer Fire Department plans to hold a special ceremony to formally recognize Lt. Cavanaugh's life-saving actions.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the critical importance of first responders being properly trained in emergency medical techniques, as well as the value of community members learning basic CPR and first aid skills to be prepared for unexpected choking or medical emergencies.