‘You kept me calm’: Michigan mom delivers baby in ambulance with help from heroic first responders

For Candice Demsey, a Michigan mom of three, what started as a routine trip to the hospital for her baby’s delivery quickly became an unforgettable birth story. Scheduled to give birth at Beaumont Grosse Pointe, Demsey’s baby boy had other plans—and they didn’t involve a traditional hospital room.

“I knew I wasn’t going to make it, so I called 911,” Demsey explained to WXYZ Detroit. Early Sunday morning, her son, Noah, was born in the back of an ambulance—a delivery she and her emergency crew will never forget.

A first for everyone involved

While Demsey had experienced childbirth twice before, this delivery was a first for everyone involved, including the Clinton Township paramedics who assisted her.

“It happened really fast,” said firefighter and paramedic Brett Isett. His colleague, Brian Molnar, who has over 12 years of experience, added, “Every other time I’ve gone for a woman in labor, we’ve always made it to the hospital. This was my first time delivering in the field.”

Despite the unexpected circumstances, the team successfully delivered baby Noah, who entered the world healthy and surrounded by support.

Related: My birth story: I gave birth in a car

A heartwarming reunion

Just two days later, Demsey reunited with the emergency crew to introduce them to Noah. Presenting her newborn, she said, “This is Noah,” to which one of the paramedics fondly replied, “Hi, buddy. I remember the last time I saw you.”

Demsey, recently discharged from the hospital, expressed her gratitude: “You guys made it go great, honestly. You kept me calm, you listened to me, you took me seriously.” Among the team was Captain Rob Kokko, who was touched by the rare opportunity to connect with a patient after such a significant moment.

“We don’t usually get to see what happens after,” said Isett. “It’s really nice to see her and Noah doing so well—it’s awesome.”

A story to remember

For Demsey, the experience will undoubtedly become family lore. “This is something that’s just going to go down in history,” she shared. “I mean, he’s going to tell his kids about it one day.”

Related: CNN anchor gives birth on her bathroom floor after ’13 minutes of labor’