It’s not uncommon for paramedics to transport expecting mothers to the hospital. However, it’s rare that a child is born during the ride.
That’s what happened three weeks ago when Paris EMS paramedics Brandi Skidmore and Lauren Dollins were transporting Ms Alae’Ja Fouse to Paris Regional Medical Center.
“We don’t get deliveries very often but when we do, it’s a privilege,” said Skidmore. “It is still very humbling that strangers trust us completely on what is normally the worst moment of their lives. It’s refreshing to get to be there for some of the best moments too.”
Skidmore and Dollins safely delivered a healthy baby boy, Marcellus Foster and it’s a feeling they’ll never forget, no matter how many times they do it.
“I’ve delivered a couple of babies now and there are a lot of things that need to happen in a timely manner. Once the baby is delivered and I am able to assess that the mother and baby are both healthy, then it is a very joyful feeling that is very hard to describe. There’s nothing else like it.”
On Monday, the duo presented Ms Fouse with a “stork” basket including an EMS Bear and an embroidered sleeper.
“He just couldn’t wait to see the world and Brandi and Lauren were ecstatic to help bring a new life into this world,” said Paris EMS.