An extra special delivery arrived in Vero Beach this past Valentine’s Day, proving that sometimes, even the best-laid plans need a little assistance from local heroes. A frantic moment turned into a heartwarming celebration when a newly hired 911 dispatcher at the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office successfully guided a family through an unexpected childbirth over the phone.
Autumn Martin, a dispatch call taker who had only been with the agency since early December, found herself on the line with a family in the midst of a medical emergency. While Martin admitted the situation was initially daunting, her training kicked in immediately as she worked alongside her supervisor to assist the caller.
The emergency unfolded at the home of the expectant mother’s sister. Shannon Wells, the mother, had originally planned a water birth at home with the assistance of a midwife. However, the baby, later named Evee, decided not to wait for the medical professional to arrive. Realizing the birth was imminent and the midwife was still en route, the family dialed 911.
“Hi there, yes, I’m at my sister’s house. She’s currently in active labor. The midwife is on her way; however, the baby is coming faster than the midwife can get here.”
With the help of Wells’ husband and sister on the scene, Martin provided calm instructions through the receiver. Wells noted that she could feel the baby’s head shifting, signaling that they would not have time to wait for the midwife. Martin remained on the line as the situation escalated quickly from a distress call to a delivery room scenario.
“I was just answering calls as they were coming in, I got the call, and they said the baby’s crowning, and I said, ‘OK, we’re having a baby.’”
Moments later, the sounds of a newborn filled the room and the phone line. Baby Evee, Wells’ fifth child, made her grand entrance right on Valentine’s Day. For Martin, hearing the newborn take her first breath was a profound moment of relief and joy.
“It’s sweet to hear a baby cry. I have two of my own, and I think it’s music to your ears when you first hear the little baby cry.”
Following the dramatic arrival, both mother and baby were reported to be doing well and recovering. The successful delivery highlights the critical, often life-changing role played by the telecommunicators at the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, who serve as the first line of help for Vero Beach residents.
