VIDEO: A new device is being implemented in fire departments across the state of Maine, keeping the first few moments of birth special for newborns and their mothers.
First responders of the Portland Fire Department first noticed a dilemma after assisting with an on-scene birth in early 2024.
"We showed up, the baby was crowning, we delivered it," firefighter and paramedic Mark Tweedy said, "Everybody was healthy, dad cut the cord." Things took a turn when Tweedy and Paramedic Lieutenant Stephen Coppi had to transport the new mom and her baby to the nearest hospital. Due to state procedure, the two have to ride in separate ambulances to be safely secured; something that didn't sit right with first responders.