Dispatcher guides family through baby’s birth along interstate

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ill., (KBSI)— A Jefferson County dispatcher helped guide a family through the delivery of a baby along Interstate 57 after the child arrived before first responders could reach them.

The family was traveling to Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon on July 18 when the woman’s labor progressed faster than expected. Her mother called 911 while continuing toward the hospital.

Telecommunicator Bressler provided emergency childbirth instructions while dispatching fire and emergency medical crews. Baby Georgia was born before responders arrived.

Bressler remained on the phone and helped the family care for the mother and newborn until emergency crews reached the scene.

The family recently visited the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office to meet Bressler. The sheriff’s office said Georgia, her mother and grandmother are doing well.

Sheriff Jeff Bullard presented Bressler with a letter of commendation for her response to the call.