In an extraordinary and unexpected turn of events, a baby was born on the side of the Duke Point Highway in Nanaimo on Tuesday afternoon. While highway births are rare, the quick and calm response of first responders ensured the safety of both mother and child in what could have been a chaotic and dangerous situation.
Around 1:30 p.m., Lt. Jason Devisser, a volunteer firefighter with the Extension Fire Department, was returning a fire engine to the nearby fire hall after its annual mechanical inspection. However, what seemed like a routine trip quickly transformed into a dramatic rescue when an SUV driving fast alongside the fire truck swerved abruptly in front of it. The driver of the SUV jumped out and frantically waved down Devisser.
“He jumped out, waving his arms. I had no idea what he was going on about. But then he asked me to call 911 and told me his wife or girlfriend just had a baby in the car,” Devisser recalled.
Calm Amid the Chaos: A Mother’s Resilience and a Father’s Composure
The situation, though shocking, revealed the calmness of those involved. The father, despite the urgency of the situation, was incredibly composed. Even in the midst of delivering a baby on the side of a busy highway, both parents remained remarkably calm.
“The dad was super calm, which was just amazing, and the mom was super calm,” said Devisser. “The baby was crying, and it was just nice to see something positive. Rather than seeing somebody smashed up in the ditch, we actually get to see something positive.”
Upon reaching the vehicle, Devisser found the newborn already delivered and cradled safely in the mother’s arms. The baby’s cries were the first sign that everything was proceeding as it should.
Emergency Response: Teamwork Ensures a Safe Delivery
Although the situation was far from ideal, the presence of a trained first responder like Devisser helped mitigate the risks. Recognizing the need for additional medical assistance, Devisser immediately called for backup, including an ambulance and the North Cedar Fire Department. The crews from North Cedar are specially trained in delivering babies, which made them a critical resource in this unexpected delivery.
“The mom and baby were both in good health, but we called for additional help just in case,” Devisser explained. “We blocked traffic with the fire truck to ensure that the family was kept safe and that no further accidents would happen.”
By this time, the father’s calm demeanor continued to impress, further easing the tense moment. The situation, though still urgent, was handled with great care, ensuring the safety of both mother and baby.
First Responders’ Praise for Parents’ Calmness
Devisser, who has been a volunteer firefighter for many years, emphasized the importance of remaining calm in such critical situations. “The parents were incredible. They stayed calm, and that made all the difference,” he said.
It was this calmness, Devisser noted, that contributed to a successful outcome for all involved. In many emergency situations, panic can exacerbate the crisis, but in this case, both parents worked together seamlessly to make the best of the situation.
A Positive Outcome in an Unlikely Place
The dramatic scene unfolded on a busy highway, but the outcome was nothing short of heartwarming. As Devisser and other first responders arrived, they saw the new family—now safe and healthy. The infant, having successfully made its entrance into the world, was now in its mother’s arms, crying to the relief of all.
“Everyone, including the mom, baby, and dad, came out of this healthy and safe,” said Devisser. “It’s such a relief to see a happy ending instead of something tragic. It was a nice change of pace from what we usually encounter.”
Highway Births: Rare but Not Impossible
While births on highways are rare, they are not entirely unheard of. For first responders, dealing with medical emergencies on the side of busy roads is part of their training. However, a birth—especially one that occurs without prior warning—poses a unique set of challenges.
In this case, the quick thinking of the father and the calm response of both parents played a pivotal role in the positive outcome. The father’s immediate action in seeking help and Devisser’s swift response ensured that the mother and child had the support they needed in those critical moments. The teamwork between the family and emergency services was instrumental in keeping the situation under control.
A Memorable Moment for First Responders
For Lt. Devisser and his colleagues, this incident provided a welcome break from the often-grim nature of emergency calls. Firefighters and paramedics are regularly called to scenes of car accidents, fires, and medical emergencies, many of which are far from positive. However, this unexpected birth served as a rare and uplifting reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
“It’s nice to see something positive for a change,” Devisser said. “In our line of work, we often see the worst side of things, but it’s moments like this that make it all worthwhile. Helping bring a baby into the world and seeing the family safe and happy is incredibly rewarding.”
Community Support for New Family
As the situation was resolved and the family was escorted to the hospital for a follow-up check-up, the community of Nanaimo continued to rally around them. News of the birth spread quickly, with many locals expressing joy and support for the new family.
The first responders who helped that day were celebrated for their quick and effective actions, but it was the calmness and resilience of the parents that truly stood out. In what could have been a highly stressful and chaotic situation, the family’s ability to remain composed ensured that their baby arrived safely.
Final Thoughts: A Story of Hope and Teamwork
The birth of a child is always a life-changing event, but for this family, the birth took place in one of the most unexpected and unlikely of locations—a busy highway in Nanaimo. Despite the unusual setting, the professionalism and quick response of first responders ensured a safe delivery. The calm and composed actions of both parents further highlighted the importance of teamwork and the ability to stay focused in critical situations.
This story serves as a reminder of the resilience of parents in moments of crisis and the incredible work of emergency responders who are ready to handle any situation, no matter how unexpected. In the end, despite the odds, a new life was brought into the world—and the community of Nanaimo celebrated the safe arrival of this baby with joy and pride.
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