Vernon firefighters help deliver baby girl

Firefighters throughout B.C. serve as first responders to all kinds of emergencies.

But a different kind of help was needed in Vernon yesterday, Dec. 29, when they were called at 7:30 a.m. with a report of an emergency labour situation in the area of Alexis Park Drive.

“Firefighters were on scene within minutes of receiving the call. Immediately upon arrival, firefighters confirmed a woman was in labour and the baby was already on the way,” a Vernon Fire Rescue news release says.

“It was determined there was no time to transport the mother to hospital and firefighters jumped into action and helped deliver the baby girl.”

B.C. Ambulance Service arrived shortly after the delivery, assessed the mother and baby, then took them to hospital for additional care.

Both are doing fine.

“This call is an example of the quick action and teamwork often exhibited by our local emergency response agencies,” deputy fire Chief Alan Hofsink said in the news release.

“In order to prepare firefighters for situations like these, Vernon Fire Rescue crew members receive annual training for a number of major medical situations, including child birth.” 

To contact a reporter for this story, email Rob Munro or call 250-808-0143 or email the editor. You can also submitphotos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.