GOSHEN – Orange County 911 dispatcher Gerard Lewis Wednesday met the precious newborn baby that he helped save last month during an emergency call.
On April 9 Lewis received a call at about 3 a.m. from Derrick Crowder, who was attempting to take his fiancé Andrewa Johnson, to the hospital as she was in labor.
Gerard calmly instructed the family to pull off Route 84 and proceeded to give Mr. Crowder instructions to deliver the baby, Nova Rose.
The baby was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck.
Gerard, a 2007 Middletown High School graduate, provided Crowder with instructions on how to remove the cord and ensured the baby was breathing.
“Slide your finger under the cord; do this now,” Lewis told the new dad on the 911 emergency phone call. “Is the baby breathing now? Dry the baby off with a clean cloth,” he said.
Lewis’ calm demeanor, compassion, and critical life safety care ensured the best outcome for both mother and baby.
Shortly after delivery, State Police and Port Jervis Ambulance Corps arrived and took over care for both the mother and baby. Both mom and Nova Rose were transported to Garnet Health Medical Center in the Town of Wallkill and are now home and doing well.
“Gerard’s decisive action helped save a life and we are proud of his heroic effort in collaboration with the New York State Police and Port Jervis Ambulance Corps, Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus said. “As a father, I was touched by this story, and I am happy that Gerard was able to meet baby Nova Rose and her family.”
Mr. Crowder and Ms. Johnson reside in Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania.
