Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine announced today that two Suffolk County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (FRES) 911 dispatchers provided guidance and assistance to two families prior to the arrival of on-scene first responders. Both infants are reported to be in good health.
“Our first responders deserve to be praised for the risks they take when responding to emergencies, but it is just as important to recognize the life-saving efforts of our dispatchers who serve as the first line of defense,” said Romaine. “I applaud our two dispatchers for their heroism and for assuring the safe deliveries of two healthy babies and bringing joy to their families.”
On Wednesday, May 15, at approximately 7:59 p.m. FRES dispatcher John Spiciati took a call from a Great River resident in distress. ESD Spiciati’s professionalism throughout the call provided the caller the opportunity to follow emergency medical dispatch instructions. The baby was born approximately two minutes later at 8:01 p.m. ESD Spiciati confirmed an airway and provided post-dispatch instructions, which enabled the caller to tie off the umbilical cord with no complications. The baby was transported by Exchange Ambulance of the Islips to Good Samaritan Hospital.
On Thursday, May 16, at approximately 10:25 a.m. FRES dispatcher Christine Springer answered a 911 from a caller in Huntington Station who reported her cousin was having contractions. Shortly after, the caller reported the baby’s head was presenting. ESD Springer calmly instructed the caller to assist with the delivery of the child and provided emergency medical dispatch instructions. The baby boy was delivered at approximately 10:28 a.m., when ESD Springer ensured the child was breathing and directed the caller to clear the child’s mouth and nose and to wrap the baby in a clean towel. Prior to the caller being able to tie off the umbilical cord, Suffolk County Police and Huntington Community Ambulance first responders arrived on scene.
“Suffolk County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services is very proud of the Emergency Service Dispatchers who serve our community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We congratulate our emergency service dispatchers on a job well done,” said FRES Commissioners Patrick Beckley and Rudy Sunderman.
This is the fourth baby delivery Suffolk County FRES dispatchers have provided instruction in 2024, with ESD Adrian Pezzica providing instruction to deliver a healthy baby girl in January and ESD Peter Montague assisting with the delivery of a baby girl over the phone in April.