(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone applauds the fast action of a Suffolk County Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services dispatcher trainee who provided instructions to a mother who was about to give birth today.
“Thanks to the knowledgeable response from Emergency Service dispatcher Joseph Pucci, a baby boy was delivered safely this morning,” the County Executive said. “Good training and clear thinking helped this couple and their baby just as it was needed. Congratulations to this family on their newest arrival.”
The husband of the 38-year-old woman, who was in active labor, called 911 on his way to the hospital after his wife indicated delivery was imminent. The man pulled their Dodge Caravan to the side of the road in front of 3990 Nesconset Highway in East Setauket. Pucci took the call at 9:53 a.m., and verified the couple’s location and that the woman was 36 weeks pregnant. He then instructed the husband on delivery and the baby arrived a 9:56 a.m.
The dispatcher provided further life support instructions to the father including checking the baby’s breathing, keeping the baby warm and using a shoelace to tie off the umbilical cord. Pucci remained on the line until Suffolk County police officers and the Setauket Fire Department arrived.
Pucci has been in training for five months.
The mother and baby appeared healthy and were transported to Stony Brook University Hospital by Setauket Fire Department Rescue.
For further information on this incident, contact Suffolk County Fire, Rescue, & Emergency Services at 631-852-4815.
