First responders recognized after ‘miraculous’ life-saving measures on newborn preemie

During last Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Whitesboro Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Patterson and Fire Chief Steve Pinkston recognized several first responders for their efforts in lifesaving measures.   

Whitesboro Paramedic Nathan Jolly and EMT Jonathon Sheffield received the Phoenix Award, an honor that is only awarded to Whitesboro Fire Department (WFD) members for saving a human life as a result of either a fire rescue or medical emergency operation. 

Patterson said there were several involved in the rescue. Receiving the Award of Exemplary Action were Sherwood Shores Volunteer Fire Department Captain Craig Reed (who has served in the fire service for over 40 years), Sherwood Shores Volunteer Fireman Darys Stone (a volunteer fireman for nearly six months) and Whitesboro Dispatch Supervisor Lisa Whitten (who has worked with the  Whitesboro dispatch department for over 27 years). 

This award is awarded to civilians, police or members of other fire departments for exhibiting acts of unusual character, showing initiative or ability worthy of special recognition. 
On Tuesday, May 21, Patterson, Jolly, Sheffield and Sherwood Shores First Responders responded to a medical emergency at a campsite off of Cedar Mills Road in Gordonville. 
Upon arrival, crews found a minutes-old newborn baby that was neither breathing nor had a pulse. 

The infant was born at 24 weeks gestation and the woman that gave birth was unaware she was pregnant. Patterson said the infant weighed under two pounds at birth. 

First responders immediately performed CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on the infant and were successful in regaining a pulse. The mother and baby were then transported to Texoma Medical Center (TMC) in Sherman. 

After the infant spent days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at TMC, oxygen was removed from the baby and mother and baby (who was named Luna) are doing great, according to Patterson. 

Patterson said TMC staff was highly impressed with how quickly the crew responded. 

“Your staff did an amazing job, this was truly a miracle,” one TMC staff member said. 

“You should be so proud of the way your staff performed with such a difficult situation,” another TMC staff member said. “They are truly amazing.”