A mid-air miracle happened when a Portland-bound Delta flight turned into an unplanned delivery room on Friday night.
Delta Airlines confirmed that a baby was born on board Delta 478 from Atlanta to Portland, while the plane was about a half hour away from the Portland International Airport.
A doctor, two nurses, and flight attendants helped deliver the baby, Delta says, and the flight was met by EMS when it landed at the airport.
“Portland Airport Fire & Rescue found everyone in stable condition upon arrival,” Port of Portland Communications Manager Kara Hansen said.
When the emergency dispatch initially went out at about 9:30 p.m., paramedics were initially told the woman was having contractions for 35 minutes.
Shortly after, an emergency radio call went out saying, “Engine 80 and Rescue 82; Update from ground, the baby has been delivered on the aircraft. So, they’re gonna be coming in with the baby delivered. Both are doing fine at this time according to the pilot.”
KATU reached out to Delta, and a spokesperson said their flight crews have comprehensive medical training to help out during situations like these.
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“We extend our sincere thanks to the crew and medical volunteers on board who stepped in to provide care to a customer onboard prior to landing in Portland,” the spokesperson added. “The health and safety of our customers is always our top priority, and we wish the new family all the best.”
