SAN ANGELO, TX — Five San Angelo firefighters received the department’s Life Saving Award on Tuesday after rescuing a premature infant born at 26 weeks in a rare medical emergency.
According to Fire Chief Patrick Brody, the call came through on Aug. 10, when Ladder 1 and Medic 6 responded to a call involving an unconscious infant. Upon arrival, crews discovered a baby born still enclosed in the amniotic sac — a one-in-80,000 occurrence, Brody said. The child, no larger than the palm of a hand, was delivered in a toilet and was in "grave danger."
Firefighters removed the infant from the sac, began resuscitation, and worked with paramedics to provide CPR and oxygen during transport. Officials said the baby regained a pulse on the way to the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
"It is difficult to overstate the gravity of this day," Brody said. "Without the rapid expert care delivered by these responders, the outcome could have been much, tragically different. Instead, because of their dedication, their training, a life was saved."
Captain CJ Naylor, Engineer Darin Wright, Firefighter McShane Matthews, Firefighter Anthony Gossett, and Firefighter Daniel Coder were honored for their actions. Each received the Life Saving Award and a stork pin.
Proclamations Issued
Earlier in the meeting, Mayor Tom Thompson proclaimed Sept. 17–23 as Constitution Week to mark the 238th anniversary of the U.S. Constitution. He also declared Sept. 8–14 as Patriotism Week, recognizing the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks for promoting civic responsibility and honoring military members, veterans, and first responders.
Elks Lodge Secretary Kyle Mantel and Councilman Larry Thomas, a past exalted ruler of the lodge, attended the proclamation.
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