In an unexpected turn of events during a routine traffic stop, Lawrence County Emergency Medical Services (LCEMS) personnel found themselves delivering a baby boy last Friday. Around 9:00 AM, a deputy from the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department stopped a vehicle on Highway 43 North, only to discover that one of the passengers was actively in labor, as reported by a social media post from Lawrence County EMS.
The deputy immediately called in EMS responders and Emergency Medical Responders from the Ethridge Fire Department. The team, along with support from the Ethridge Police Department, worked cohesively, transporting the mother towards Southern Tennessee Regional Health System – Lawrenceburg. Nevertheless, the boy was born before they could reach the hospital, with the birth recorded at 9:27 AM. The new mother, Martina, and the infant, whom they've called Dagger, were afterward transferred to the hospital for further care, and "are said to be doing well," according to the Lawrence County Emergency Medical Services statement.
This remarkable delivery happened just a week after regional EMS personnel and hospital staff participated in critical neonatal resuscitation education at the Southern Tennessee Higher Education Center in Lawrenceburg. The training was focused on imparting industry-standard practices and life-saving care for newborns, which undoubtedly played a role in the EMS's capability to manage this surprise roadside delivery successfully.
LCEMS has expressed its sincere thanks to the involved parties, including Lawrence County Sheriff's Department, Lawrence County E-911, Ethridge Fire Department, Ethridge Police Department, and Southern Tennessee Regional Health System-Lawrenceburg, their teamwork, and rapid response ensured a safe outcome for Martina and baby Dagger. "We are incredibly proud of our team and the seamless coordination between all responding agencies," the LCEMS release states. The responders who played a direct part in the delivery were AEMT Karen Benefield, AEMT Tia Moore, and Paramedic Jason Ritch.
