Baby Delivered In SUV On Route 47 By Bristol Kendall Paramedics

YORKVILLE, IL — Two Bristol Kendall Fire Protection District Paramedics began this week with an experience they're sure to never forget, as they delivered a newborn baby Monday morning inside a vehicle in south Yorkville. Bristol Kendall Firefighter/Paramedic Brad Sherwood told Patch he and his department partner Ryan Thomas were called to the intersection of Route 47 and Route 126 at 12:30 a.m. Monday, where they would each take part in their first delivery.

Sherwood, 23, said it's common for them to get called to situations where a woman is in labor and needs help getting to the hospital, but this situation - roadside and all - was unique.

"This was a (little) different story," Sherwood told Patch. "It was kind of obvious we were going to be delivering on scene. Deliveries on scene are few and far between in the area."

Sherwood said he's been with the department for two years and moved to full-time four months ago. He started volunteering as a firefighter when he was 16. Thomas has been with the department for around six years, Sherwood said. The two were helped at the scene by law enforcement and fellow first responders.

According to Sherwood, the delivery went smooth and he and Thomas, along with the department, are very grateful the mom and baby were healthy.

Sherwood wants every expecting mother and their loved ones to know that first responders are just a phone call away if you need help.

“Obviously you don’t want to delay getting to the hospital," Sherwood said. "It's safe to call 911, we’re always here. Just give us a call.”

Patch reached out to Bristol Kendall Fire Protection District Chief James Bateman, who said he's proud of the men and women who work for the department. Sherwood said Bateman also spoke to him and Thomas.

“He congratulated both of us and said we did a great job," Sherwood said. "And that’s what we’re here to do.”

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