PORTLAND, Maine — 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.
"So there's this horrible ethical dilemma where we're like, there's gotta be a better solution where we can keep everybody safe and keep Mom with baby," Coppi said.
After doing some digging, and thanks to a grant through MaineEMS and The Department of Health and Human Services, they now have their hands on the KangooFix device.
Featuring a neoprene case and several straps, a newborn can securely be transported on the chest of a new mother in an ambulance while on their way to a hospital. The device is now being added to several other fire departments across the state.
As the first Maine department to use the device, Coppi said it has already come in handy.
"[The family said] it was really relaxing like everything was supposed to happen the way it was supposed to," Coppi added.
Being able to offer additional comfort to a family after an unexpected turn of events is something Coppi and Tweedy said is exactly what they strive for with every delivery, and can now offer even more with the new device.
"It's the best thing for the baby, the best thing for the mom and if I were in their shoes this is exactly what I would want," Tweedy said.