Hauppauge, NY - February 8, 2017 - At the General Meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature on February 7th, Legislator William Spencer was proud to pay tribute to three emergency responders who are responsible for saving the life of a newborn baby girl in Northport. Dispatcher Dana Gunther and Northport Village Police Officers Steven Golub and Devin Humphreys were presented with proclamations memorializing their valiant and swift action.
On Saturday, January 14, 2017, 911 Dispatcher Dana Gunther received a call from a Northport resident reporting a birth in progress. While waiting for the police to arrive, Dana remained on the line and gave the male caller instructions from the Emergency Medical Dispatch Protocol on how to care for the newborn baby girl. However, it soon became clear that the baby was not breathing and Dana provided instructions for the caller to attempt to revive her.
Dana’s calm manner allowed the caller to remain unruffled until help arrived. At this point Northport Village Police Officers Devin Humphreys and Steven Golub arrived. It was determined that the baby was suffering from a complete airway obstruction, and an attempt was made to clear the airway using fingers without success. Thinking quickly, the officers were able to find an eyedropper in the home which was then used to remove fluid from the baby’s nose, mouth and throat. After several minutes, the baby began to cough, breathe and cry…music to everyone’s ears. Both the Mom and the baby were transported to Huntington Hospital and have since made a full recovery.
“When you are dealing with a child, no matter how experienced you may be, your defenses naturally break down,” he said. “They kept their composure and did what they had to do,” stated Northport Police Chief Bill Ricca.
“Because of the calm and immediate actions of this Northport Village team of emergency responders, a healthy newborn is home and safe, surrounded by her loving parents. I am so proud to recognize and honor them for their heroic actions.” stated Legislator William R. Spencer.