9-1-1 Operator Assists with Delivery of Baby
On 10-13-15 at 7:29 p.m., Communications Supervisor Kristy Faulkingham answered a 9-1-1 call from a gentleman who was reporting that his wife was about to give birth.
The 25-year old mother-to-be was approximately four days from her due date when she went into labor with this, her second child.
Her husband decided to drive her to the hospital but thinking they weren’t going to make it, they stopped at his grandmother’s house to make the call to 9-1-1.
Supervisor Faulkingham immediately implemented Emergency Medical Dispatch protocols, asking proper questions, and providing proper responses and instructions.
During the course of the entire conversation, Supervisor Faulkingham reassured the caller that Fire/Rescue personnel were on the way, even utilizing the Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) to provide their current location so he would know that they were getting close to his location.
Additionally, Supervisor Faulkingham let the caller know that she was providing continual updates to the emergency responders regarding his wife’s changing status and the imminent birth of his daughter.
As the baby started to deliver, Supervisor Faulkingham maintained her composure, continuing to provide emergency medical instructions, ensuring the safety of both mother and child.
Within seconds, the caller stated that he had his baby in his hands and the baby could be heard crying.
Sheriff Al Nienhuis said, “Not only am I thrilled with the professionalism of Supervisor Faulkingham, I am excited that she was able to be an integral part of bringing Hernando County’s newest resident into the world. Unfortunately, our Telecommunicators usually deal with citizens on the worst day of their life, it is refreshing to occasionally be involved in an event that is the best day of their life. I’m sure that both the baby’s father and Supervisor Faulkingham will have fond memories of this day for the rest of their lives.”
Sheriff Al Nienhuis and the men and women of the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office would like to wish this little girl a very Happy “BIRTH” day!
