Suffolk Dispatcher, Stony Brook FD, Help Deliver Premature Twins

A Suffolk County Emergency Medical Dispatcher helped guide a Stony Brook mother through the premature birth of twin boys on Tuesday, according to a press release from the office of County Executive Steve Bellone. 

Emergency Services Dispatcher Christine Springer, of St. James, took the 911 call at 1:42 p.m. Tuesday from the 48-year-old woman, who was in her 27th week of pregnancy. When the woman, whose name was not released, reported that she could feel the baby arriving, Springer immediately dispatched a Stony Brook Fire Department crew to assist her, relayed information to other dispatchers in touch with the crew that the woman was having twins, and then guided the woman through the baby's birth at 1:45 p.m.

Springer instructed the patient to use a towel to clear the child’s mouth and nose, and then rub his back and tap his feet until he started to breathe on his own. 

While waiting for delivery of the second child, Springer continued to instruct the mother in the care of her newborn son.  As the contractions began to increase, signaling the imminent delivery of the second child, the Stony Brook EMT crew and ambulance arrived. At this point Springer, knowing that both of the current and the soon to be third patients were in good hands, ended the phone call, but first congratulated the patient/mother on the birth of her son.

Throughout the entire call, which lasted just under five minutes, Springer kept her fellow dispatchers up to date who in turn relayed all of the information to the responding units.

The EMT from the Stony Brook FD then delivered the second child. The mother and babies were taken to Stony Brook University Medical Center. 

"The team of men and women in the Suffolk County Emergency Medical System do a remarkable job ensuring the well-being of residents," Bellone said. “Christine’s ability to keep composed and provide information on multiple levels is an accomplishment that makes us all proud.”

Bellone's office said it did not know the condition of the mother and babies Wednesday.