Gwinnett 911 Dispatcher Helps Dad Deliver Baby Boy: ICYMI

Gwinnett County 911 officers hear their share of bad news when emergency calls come in, but the sound of a crying newborn was music to the ears of dispatcher Brandy Britton.

Britton, a 911 Communications officer since 2014, was on the line with the father when Henry “Caleb” was born around 2:15 a.m. on July 30, Gwinnett Police said in a news release.

Britton assisted the couple deliver the baby before paramedics arrived.

“Caleb” weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces and was 20 inches long at the time of his birth. Baby and mother are now resting at home. He is the couple’s third child.

Police said in the news release that the father called 911 around 2:10 a.m. on July 30 to report his wife was actively in labor at their home on Summit Peak Way near Snellville.

“It was evident in the conversation with the dispatcher that the baby would soon arrive. The dispatcher activated an ambulance to the home,” Gwinnett Police public information officer Cpl. Michele Pihera said, adding Britton was able to assist the father in the labor and delivery using “Emergency Medical Dispatch” information. “As the mother’s contractions became closer to one another, it was apparent that their baby would arrive prior to the paramedic’s response.”

“A few moments later, the baby was delivered. With the assistance of the Communications Officer over the phone, the father cleared the baby’s airway, and the baby was heard crying shortly thereafter.”

After paramedics arrived, the mother and her new baby were taken to the hospital for further treatment.

Pihera said it was the first time Britton has assisted a caller with a baby delivery before the ambulance arrived; she has assisted in about four emergency calls of women in labor.

The Gwinnett 911 Center celebrates childbirth deliveries with a plaque showing the engraved names of the employees who assisted.

“A new plaque will need to be purchased soon,” Pihera said.

Photo credit: Gwinnett Police PIO