Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

California firefighters deliver baby after parents couldn’t make it to hospital in time

‘Strong work and compassion’ praised after successful birth

William Mata
Thursday 21 September 2023 18:00 BST
Comments
Baby born same time royal baby

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

Firefighters stepped in to deliver a baby when a northern Californian couple were unable to make it to a hospital in time.

The crews, more used to saving lives than delivering them, helped the mother give birth to a healthy baby boy on September 14, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) said.

“When a northern California couple with a baby on the way couldn’t make it to the hospital this morning, Cal Fire personnel stepped up,” a statement read.

“Realising they couldn’t make it to the hospital, the couple decided the nearest fire station would be their next best alternative.”

The parents were travelling from Los Banos and pulled into the Pacheco Station in Hollister off Highway 152 at around 6.30am last Thursday when the unnamed mother began to experience contractions.

Firefighters and engineers took immediate action, safely delivering the baby and providing essential care to both the mother and the newborn.

“The delivery proceeded smoothly with no complications, and a healthy baby boy was born at 7.04am,” the statement added.

“This is a prime example of how CAL Fire’s team responds to all manner of emergencies, ensuring the well-being of the community.”

Their important actions were widely praised by the community on Twitter.

“Awww welcome baby! Great job everyone,” one wrote.

Julie St Andre added: “Congratulations to the new parents and to you all at the station! Cigars all round. We love Cal Fire!”

“They should name him Cal right?” Neil Hanner said.

The well-wishes were received by the local station as well.

“Early this morning our Pacheco Station helped to deliver a healthy baby boy!” the area’s fire department tweeted. “As always, we are proud of the strong work and compassion displayed by our firefighters.

“More importantly, we want to wish a very Happy Birthday to this sweet little one!”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in