Two quick-thinking emergency responders helped bring a new life into the world in Fresh Meadows.
Station 53 EMTs Andrew Prus and Christopher Gangale worked together to help deliver a baby boy in the front seat of a car in the Queens neighborhood on Sept. 21. It was the first baby birth for Prus and Gangle, who graduated from the EMS Academy in 2014.
When the duo arrived at the scene, they quickly realized they were not going to have time to get mother Kristina Johnson to the hospital, as the baby was already on his way out.
“After we saw that, we just did what we were taught to do to help deliver a baby in a situation like this one and he came out safely,” Prus said. “We suctioned him and he was crying and moving and everything went great.”
“This was definitely a team effort and it was pretty amazing how smooth this went,” Gangale said.
Later that day, proud new parents Kristina and Michael Johnson thanked the Prus and Gangle via social media.
“These guys were calm and professional and my wife and baby are doing well,” Michael Johnson said. “Thanks to them and all first responders who keep us safe.”
“I didn’t get a chance to thank them, but my entire family is so deeply grateful for their help,” Kristina Johnson said.
Station 50 Lieutenant Paul Yunek commended the duo for their efforts.
“They responded quickly to the emergency, acted quickly when they were at the scene and they followed protocols to a T to deliver the baby,” Yunek said.
