By Hasan Dudar
Detroit Free Press
DETROIT — The Detroit Fire Department honored two Detroit medics today for delivering and reviving a premature infant in June.
Deputy Detroit Fire Commissioner Sydney Zack recognized paramedic James LaCroix and probationary technician Steve Andary with commendations for helping a woman deliver a baby that had presented a nuchal cord, or an umbilical cord wrapped around the baby’s neck.
On June 24, LaCroix and Andary, along with EMT James Basirico — who was not present at the ceremony — arrived on the scene at 1919 E. Larned Street and found a 28-year-old woman who was 25-weeks pregnant and in active labor, Zack said.
The crews immediately reduced the cord and were able to assist the woman in the delivery of the child, who had no pulse and was not breathing, Zack said.
LaCroix said that they were able to get fingers between the cord and the baby’s neck so “when the mom pushed again, the cord didn’t become a noose.”
He said that baby was about “two handfuls” when it was delivered, and that Basirico performed CPR on the infant with an index finger and bag-valve mask to provide ventilation.
The infant was transported to Harper-Hutzel hospital. Upon arrival at the emergency department, the infant had a pulse rate of 115 and survived, Zack said.
LaCroix, a 20-year veteran of Detroit EMS, said that over the course of his career he’s seen only a few breach deliveries, or deliveries where the infant’s feet came out first.
“It’s just questionable about the survival of the child with that kind of presentation, especially outside of the hospital,” LaCroix said.
Andary, who was his first month on the job, said it felt great to deliver the baby.
“I’m glad I had the opportunity to do this,” Andary said. “So, if it happens in the future, I know what to do now.”
Copyright 2017 Detroit Free Press