Nunda Rural Fire Protection District received an unexpected delivery Thursday morning when the stork dropped off a set of twins as the ambulance was driving an expectant mother to the hospital.
Nunda Rural Fire Protection District Public Information Officer Alex Vucha said crews were called to a home on Riverside Drive just after 7 a.m. Thursday for what initially sounded like a routine call for a female experiencing labor contractions.
Once the patient was transferred to the ambulance and transport began, Vucha said it became clear the morning would unfold very differently than expected.
As the ambulance continued toward the hospital, the crew made a surprising delivery of twin babies, born just seven minutes apart.
The mother and newborn twins were transported to Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, Vucha said. All three are reported to be doing well, he said.
For Nunda Rural Lt. Steve Nelson, a 19-year veteran of the fire service, and Nunda Rural Firefighter/EMT Amanda Stautz, who has been with the district for about two years, it marked their first live delivery, Vucha said.
Firefighter/Paramedic Austin Tennell, who was assisting on the call from Cary Fire Protection District, also helped with the delivery during transport.
Captain Neil Austin drove the ambulance, Vucha said, while Firefighter Hunter Mann assisted crews on scene at the residence.
Despite the unexpected circumstances, everything went smoothly, Vucha said, with crews noting the mother remained calm and composed throughout the experience.
Delivering one baby can be challenging under ideal conditions, let alone two, while in a moving ambulance, Vucha said.
“It was an incredible experience to be part of such an important moment,” the crew said. “We’re extremely happy with the outcome and wish the family all the best.”
The names of the patients and additional details were withheld to protect the family’s privacy, Vucha said.