911 operator guides expectant mother through unexpected home birth with composure

NASHVILLE, Tennessee — Upon receiving a 911 call reporting a woman in Nashville going into sudden labor, emergency operator Kaitlyn Kramer utilized her training to effectively guide the expectant mother and onlookers in delivering a healthy baby boy.

The audio from the call on July 7 showcases Kramer’s composed demeanor as she directed the process, even as the voices on the other end grew agitated when the mother’s water broke and the baby’s head began to emerge.

Kramer serves as a training officer for Nashville’s Department of Emergency Communications.

“No matter the nature of the call, it’s vital to maintain composure,” Kramer remarked, emphasizing the importance of remaining calm herself.

“We’ll handle this together,” Kramer assured a friend of the mother over the phone. Shortly after, the caller erupted in excitement upon the baby’s arrival, noting the umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby’s neck.

Kramer mentioned that bystanders were able to free the baby, and before long, she could hear his initial cries over the phone.

“When I think of a newborn, the most significant moment for me is hearing their first cry,” Kramer expressed. “And he did just that.”

The entire call lasted approximately eight minutes before the ambulance arrived, allowing Kramer to commend the mother and bystanders on a job well done. The family declined an interview request.

“One of the aspects I cherished most about this situation was the presence of another young child in the room, perhaps between seven and 10 years old,” Kramer shared. “She began speaking to the baby, welcoming him into the world. That truly touched my heart.”

Kramer disclosed that this marked her second time assisting with a delivery through the 911 hotline.

“We encounter a lot of challenging situations here. Our work is demanding,” Kramer acknowledged. “Instances like these serve as a reminder of the significance of what I do… it brings me joy to fulfill my role.”