'It's A Boy': Lexington First Responders Deliver Baby On I-95

LEXINGTON, MA — One expecting mother had to shift her birth-plan around when her baby boy decided he was ready to see the world, on the I-95 highway. Lucky for mom, Lexington first responders were quick to ensure she and the baby were taken care of.

The birth happened on Aug. 27 when the family was on their way to the hospital. Lexington Fire Department got the call for an imminent delivery and two veteran firefighter/paramedics rushed out to action with their crew.

Padraig Daly and Mark Simonds, both firefighter/paramedics, knew exactly what they were walking into — they've been working together for decades. Simonds took over as the "clinical lead" and Daly worked alongside him, making sure mom and baby were comfortable and healthy throughout the process.

This is far from Daly's first roadside birth. "I've done ten," Daly said, not missing a beat he continued, "Six girls and four boys — all beautiful healthy babies."

Daly remembers each birth and while he's well versed in the process and has helped bring more babies into the world in unique conditions than most people, he insists, "You don't do them every day."

Daly is careful not to intrude into the families' special moments. Even after the birth he keeps the stories and details to himself, choosing to focus on the health and safety of everyone involved rather than personal anecdotes.

"Emotions are always high — but everyone was doing great, mom, baby and dad too," he said.

While there's protocol on how to handle imminent deliveries, Daly said the calls are so unique by nature that preparing for one has to be on a case-by-case basis. What eases the pressure is the help from Lexington Police and State Police, who ensure the area and everyone on scene are safe enough to proceed.

"It's really a team effort, everyone is so important," Daly said.