Canton Fire Department Delivers Baby Safely in Back of Ambulance

CANTON — Chief Wendell Robery is pleased to announce that members of the Canton Fire Department helped deliver an early-arriving baby Tuesday afternoon in the back of an ambulance.

Shortly after 3 p.m., Canton Fire received a call reporting a medical emergency at 640 Washington St. Upon arrival, paramedics located a woman in labor in a vehicle in a parking area behind a commercial building. 

The woman was accompanied by family members, one of whom told paramedics that they were trying to get to a Boston hospital. 

Paramedics transferred the woman into the ambulance, and while en route to a local hospital, the delivery was imminent and the ambulance pulled to the side of the road.

The mother delivered the baby girl safely assisted by Canton Fire Lt. Ryan Patrician, Firefighter Keith Ryan, Firefighter Tom Brown, Firefighter Alana Burke, and Firefighter Doug Connor. The mother and baby were then brought to Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton.

“It was a healthy, uncomplicated birth, and our understanding is that the mother and baby are doing well,” Chief Robery said.

Canton Fire personnel are trained on how to handle emergency births as part of their paramedic training. Ambulances are also equipped with delivery kits that include newborn blankets to aid with emergency births. 

“While the mother deserves the credit for bringing her child safely into the world, I want to recognize the efforts of Canton Engine 8 and Ambulance 1, who fell back on their training and provided the necessary assistance during this stressful call to ensure everyone remained healthy and safe,” Chief Robery said. 

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