FDNY Firefighters Deliver Baby in the Bronx

New York, NY — A Bronx mother got the surprise of her life on Dec. 13, when she got up early to get a drink of water, then suddenly started giving birth. Luckily for her, Firefighter – and former EMT – Sarina Olmo and other FDNY members were able to help.

Just before 6 a.m., firefighters from Engine 83 were called to a home on East 141st Street, with reports of a woman in labor.

Since the address is just a few blocks from the firehouse, firefighters arrived quickly and were ushered into the first floor apartment by frantic family members.

They found the expectant mother on the floor of the bathroom with the baby’s father supporting the child, whose head and shoulder were visible.

Just two minutes later EMTs arrived on the scene, and since the bathroom was small, EMT Yanina Drebskaya switched places with the baby’s father in the bathroom to help. The other members stood outside the bathroom and passed tools through the crack in the door as needed.

Firefighter Olmo made sure the mother was stable, but said the umbilical cord was prolapsed, so she clamped and cut the cord, then told the mother to push. The woman said she was too tired, so the Firefighter helped ease the baby’s delivery.

The infant boy quickly started crying and turned bright pink. They suctioned his mouth and, since the room was cold, wrapped him in a foil blanket. They then topped his head with a pink and white hat, the only one they could find.

Firefighters then accompanied EMTs and the happy family to Lincoln Hospital. Firefighter Olmo walked the baby – named Kaden – all the way to the maternity unit.

“It was so amazing,” said Firefighter Olmo, who has a 6-year-old son of her own. “[The mom] was such a trooper.”

Firefighter Olmo’s entire company said she deserved credit for staying calm under pressure.

“It was not an ideal situation, but she jumped right in and did a fantastic job,” said Lt. Joseph Canty. “It was a nice way to start the morning.”