First responders tickled pink as two baby girls born on one shift

Mar 4, 2023

First responders from Middleboro and the surrounding area can circle Friday, March 3 on their calendars in red. Although on second thought, they might want to use pink ink.

On that day, Middleboro Fire Department members and other first responders helped deliver two infant girls, born 12 hours apart, on the same shift.

"Most first responders will never get the opportunity to deliver a baby and today our members delivered two in a single tour,’’ Middleboro Fire Chief Owen Thompson said.

At noon, firefighters assisted with the birth of an infant girl, who was then transported along with the new mother to a local hospital.

Almost exactly 12 hours later, they were dispatched to another home for a call of a woman in active labor. When they arrived on scene, the mother had already safely delivered her new daughter, Thompson reported.

The team went right into action, assisting the mother in safely handling, cleaning and warming the newborn while assistance from Brewster Ambulance and a mutual aid ambulance from Lakeville Fire were en route to the scene.

Mother and baby were transported by Lakeville ambulance, with Brewster Ambulance providing back-up and assistance, to a local hospital, where they were both reported to be in good condition.

Thompson praised the Engine 3 team _ Lt. Tim Andrews, Firefighter Ryan Herrick and Shift Commander Eric Gunnison _  as well as the police officers, mutual aid partners and paramedics involved in both deliveries. 

 “I am proud of our members for the excellent patient care they provided today. I also want to recognize the members of Middleboro Police Department, Brewster Ambulance and Lakeville Fire Department who were with us today. ‘’

Thompson congratulated the new parents on behalf of everyone involved.

“Today’s events are special to first responders,’’ he said. “It is a day they will never forget."