Kids & Family

Montclair Hospital Praises Crew Who ‘Saved Baby’s Life’

Members of the labor and delivery team at Mountainside Medical Center were declared "Highly Reliable Heroes" for their quick actions.

Several health care workers at Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair were recently declared “Highly Reliable Heroes” for saving the life of a 23-week-old baby.
Several health care workers at Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair were recently declared “Highly Reliable Heroes” for saving the life of a 23-week-old baby. (Mountainside Medical Center)

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Several health care workers at Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair were recently declared “Highly Reliable Heroes” for saving the life of a 23-week-old baby.

According to hospital administrators, members of its labor and delivery team – including nurses Naomi Sebastien, Sheila Magarino, Tiffany Chavez, Anya Jones, Gabriella Hocta and doctors Jonathan Mintzer and Fares Diarbakerli – jumped into quick action when faced with the impending delivery of a “very preterm infant” in the middle of the night.

Hospital administrators said:

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“When a 23-week-old baby couldn't wait for delivery upon mom's arrival to the facility, this team was at the ready. Without hesitation and with almost telepathic communication, they leapt into action and seamlessly delivered and stabilized the baby while other team members prepared for transport. Their collaborative efforts and calm critical thinking saved this baby's life.”

Their effort earned them a Highly Reliable Hero award from the hospital, which was celebrated earlier this month.

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