July 2025
Passenger Returns to PHX to Meet and Thank Lifesavers
Rachel Bakker, a passenger from Iowa traveling through PHX Sky Harbor with her husband and son, experienced a medical emergency when her heart stopped while in line at a TSA Security Checkpoint in Terminal 4 on March 12. Thanks to the accessibility of a nearby Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and the quick response of nearby passengers and airport staff, her life was saved.
Rachel recently returned to meet and thank those individuals who were involved and assisted in her emergency. Representatives from the Transportation Security Administration, Phoenix Fire and Police departments, and airport Operations all welcomed Rachel and her family back to celebrate. Fire Chief Mike Duran III and Deputy Fire Chief Joel Navarro spoke at the event as well as Rachel and her husband Bernie.
View a video highlighting Rachel’s story on the official Phoenix Sky Harbor Instagram account.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport began the AED program in 2001. There are more than 115 AEDs available at Phoenix Sky Harbor, Phoenix Deer Valley and Phoenix Goodyear airports, including at PHX Sky Train® stations.