A Long Island Couple has welcomed a new edition into the family, with the help of one Suffolk County Emergency Services Dispatcher. Yesterday evening, Marlo Van Houten answered a 9-1-1 call, to hear a local couple on the other end, about to have a baby in the parking lot of a Manorville Starbucks. Van Houten, a Bellport resident and 10-year employee of the Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services assisted the couple. Thanks to her calm instructions, the new mom and dad, safely delivered their baby.
Just shortly after 9:30 PM on Wednesday, June 29th, 2016 the Manorville couple were on route to the hospital, along Route 111 in Manorville. When they realized the baby was coming before they would arrive at the hospital, they parked in the lot of a local Starbucks and called 9-1-1 at 9:39 PM. On the other end of the call, was Emergency Services Dispatcher Marlo Van Houten, who alerted first responders and began to give the father instructions. ESD Van Houten directed the father on how to properly assist his wife in delivery, making sure the baby was breathing and how to tie off the umbilical cord. Once delivered ESD Van Houten instructed the father on keeping the baby warm until emergency services arrived.
At approximately 9:44 PM, Suffolk County Police and a Manorville Community Ambulance crew arrived to assist in-person post delivery. Both Mother and baby, who was named Sailor Jewel, were transported to St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson. ESD Van Houten was commended for her efforts in by County Executive Bellone
“Once again, our emergency services personnel were able to quickly come to the aid of a family in need… I commend Dispatcher Van Houten for her calm and professional approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of this family.” – Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone