A.V.F.D. First Responders Assist In Delivery Of Healthy Baby Boy!!!
In the early morning hours of Wednesday September 20, 2006, Edward Hudson, his expectant wife Jatoma, and their four year old son Ethan were traveling from their home in Coweta County to Doctor's Hospital in Columbus expecting a routine delivery. As the Hudson's traveled southbound on I185, Mrs. Hudson unexpectedly went into labor. Edward, a veteran Firefighter/EMT with Coweta County, was well aware that making it to the hospital was a risk he could no longer take. A few miles north of exit 19, Hudson called 911 to advise of the situation at hand and was guided by the 911 operator to the Mulberry Grove Chevron while they quickly dispatched EMS and Antioch First Responders.
Hudson, following the operator's instructions, pulled into the Chevron parking lot. He ensued the assistance of two patrons and began clearing out the rear of the family van in order to make room for his wife to lay down. After a few tense moments, mommy-to-be was moved to the rear of the van while Hudson anxiously awaited the arrival of EMS and First Responders. While four year old Ethan sat patiently in the back seat of the van watching a movie unaware of the events taking place behind him, Lieutenant Kelly Dollar and Captain Richard McKinney arrived and assisted Hudson with the delivery of baby Kalan already underway.
At 1:00 AM, Mrs. Hudson proudly delivered a healthy baby boy, Kalan Hudson weighing 7 pounds, 7 ounces and 19 1/2 inches long. Harris County EMS arrived moments later and after a brief check by to ensure mother and baby were okay, they were transported to Doctor's Hospital for a routine stay and observation. Follow-up from the Hudson family indicated that both mother and baby are doing great. Mother and father candidly joked that few employees of the hospital actually know baby Kalan's name. However, employees of the hospital as well as some visitors were aware of and asking about the infamous "Gas Station Baby."
Antioch Volunteer Fire Department and the family of baby Kalan extend their gratitude to Captain Richard McKinney and Lieutenant Kelly Dollar for their outstanding and professional efforts in assisting with the delivery of a healthy baby boy.
This continues to serve as a testament to the benefit and necessity of a well trained and adequately staffed public safety department and First Responder program in Harris County.
Captain Richard McKinney (left) and Lieutenant Kelly Dollar (right) with baby Kalan