NEED TO KNOW
- First responders from a local fire department in New Hampshire helped safely deliver a couple’s baby son outside the station
- The couple had been driving to the hospital when they realized they weren’t going to make it in time
- They called 911 and stopped outside a local fire station, where first responders assisted with the delivery
First responders from a local fire department in New Hampshire helped deliver a couple’s son, who was born right outside the station’s doors.
Stephanie and Noah Weston set out for Chesire Medical Center last week to welcome their son Walker, when they suddenly realized they weren’t going to arrive in time, ABC affiliate WMUR reported.
About six minutes after calling 911, Stephanie delivered their baby with help from workers at a nearby fire station in Keene, she told the station.
“I was like, I’m pushing out a baby right now and I’m not kidding,” Stephanie told WMUR. “It’s happening and it’s happening now.”
“All of a sudden, the chief walks away from the side of our truck. And he goes, ‘Oh time of birth, 2:17 p.m,'” new dad Noah recalled in a separate interview with NBC affiliate WBTZ. “And I was like, what, he’s born already?”
His wife was equally taken by surprise.
“My wife said, ‘Did this just happen?’ ” Noah told local radio station WKBK, which reported that baby Walker was born weighing 7 lbs., 14 oz.
The local chapter of the International Association of Fire Fighters commended the “courageous woman” for coming directly to the station for help.
“Both mom and baby are doing well and were quickly transported to the hospital by our ambulances for further care,” they added in a statement.
The chapter went on to issue an important reminder: that it’s always important to call 911 for help first.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
“Although our fire stations are staffed regularly, our crews are often out of the house training or responding to emergencies — which means the station may be empty when you arrive,” they wrote. “In an emergency, every second counts, and calling 911 ensures that the closest available team is dispatched directly to you, no matter where we are in the city!”
Read the full article here
