In a race against time, a team of devoted paramedics from Robertson County EMS successfully saved the life of a premature baby boy after his mother unexpectedly went into labor ten weeks early.
The emergency unfolded in the early hours of September 7th when dispatchers received a 911 call from a young woman in the throes of labor. Within minutes, paramedics arrived at her home and jumped into action as she was on the brink of giving birth. By 2:08 a.m., the courageous team had safely delivered the baby boy.
However, the joyous moment quickly turned into a crisis when paramedics Alex Shearer and La’Darrius Huddleston noticed that the baby wasn’t breathing. Despite the mother’s well-being, they realized that the fragile newborn desperately needed help.
“He wasn’t breathing and was as blue as can be,” recalled Shearer, while Huddleston added, “He was no bigger than a palm and a half.”
The paramedics immediately initiated emergency resuscitation measures. CPR and artificial ventilation with supplemental oxygen therapy were administered to revive the baby, who had also suffered a dangerously low heartbeat.
Shearer’s training came into play as he skillfully used an oxygen pump to gently fill the baby’s tiny lungs, while Huddleston supported the crucial resuscitation efforts. Their perseverance paid off when they radioed dispatch with the triumphant news, “Baby is breathing on its own. We’ve got a pulse.”
According to Brent Dyer, Director of Robertson County EMS, the baby was not only born prematurely but was also hypothermic. Although hypothermia generally poses less harm to most individuals, premature babies are especially vulnerable due to their reduced body mass. This condition led to respiratory arrest and low oxygen levels, setting off a chain of critical events that had to be swiftly addressed to save the baby’s life.
Minutes later, the paramedics delivered the baby boy to TriStar Northcrest Medical Center, where a waiting incubator provided essential care. The new mom, in stable condition, was also transported to the hospital to be reunited with her baby.
Huddleston described the incredible moment at the hospital, saying, “Once we got to the hospital and saw the baby come back, it was pretty spectacular.”
While success stories like these may be rare, paramedics Shearer and Huddleston remain hopeful with every call they answer. Shearer stated, “We make those calls every single day, and though saves are few and far between, they are incredibly rewarding.”
Robertson County EMS reported that the baby was later transferred to Monroe Carell Junior Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, and both the mother and her son are progressing well.
Dyer requested the community’s support for the family during the recovery process, saying, “We ask everyone in our community to support this family with prayers and words of encouragement as healing continues.”
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