An investigation is underway by the New York City Fire Department and Office of Children and Family Services following the discovery of an abandoned newborn on the street. The infant was found alive with the umbilical cord still attached.
According to a statement released by the New York City Fire Department, two EMTs were stationed outside the EMT Station 7 on 23rd St. at around 3 a.m. on Thursday, July 11, when a bystander knocked on the ambulance window to inform them about a newborn baby that had been abandoned on the sidewalk.
As the EMTs were finishing up their shift, one of them quickly approached to assess the baby’s condition. Luckily, the infant was still breathing.
Mia Chin, the EMT, recounted that they relied on their training from the Fire Department when they were faced with the situation. According to Chin, as she approached the infant, the baby was crying, cooing, and waving.
EMTs Chin and Feimer brought the newborn to the station to receive additional medical attention. Afterwards, paramedics Kaddah and Rougier transported the child to Bellevue Hospital, where the infant’s condition is now stable.
“I am overjoyed that the baby is still alive,” Chin exclaimed. “To be honest, I don’t see myself as a hero. Patrick and I collaborated effectively to ensure the infant received medical attention. I am immensely grateful that the outcome was positive.”
Ayatta Swann, a resident of New York City, has been identified as the mother of the infant. She voluntarily admitted herself to the hospital where the newborn was being cared for. According to the New York City Police Department, Swann has been charged with child abandonment.
New York Fire Department Commissioner Praises EMTs For Saving the Abandoned Newborn
Laura Kavanagh, the Fire Commissioner, expressed her admiration for the commendable efforts made by Chin and Feimer during the incident.
Commissioner Kavanagh praised the EMS members for their prompt and selfless service, stating that despite just finishing their shift, they responded to the call with the same dedication and readiness that is characteristic of EMS professionals. He emphasized that such a commitment to helping others is always present in EMS personnel, no matter the situation.
According to Kavanagh, the EMTs possess a brave and selfless attitude, always running towards danger or emergencies without hesitation. The crew in question exemplified this characteristic by promptly attending to the infant’s needs, providing immediate treatment, and ensuring that the child received proper care and attention. Kavanagh commended the crew’s actions, stating that they went above and beyond to guarantee the well-being of the young patient.
Feimer addressed the unexpected situation during a press conference and expressed his uncertainty upon receiving a knock on the window. He stated, “You don’t know what you’re going to walk into.”
“When we noticed the newborn, our immediate response was to assess the situation and take action,” said the individual.
In New York, there is a law known as the Safe Haven Law, which permits parents to leave their newborn babies in a secure location if they are up to 30 days old. The safe locations where parents can leave their babies are usually hospitals or fire stations.
