Baby couldn’t wait: Chelsea firefighters help mom give birth to baby girl

By Melissa M. Werthmann, Globe Correspondent

Chelsea firefighters responded to a Highland Street home after receiving a call from a woman in labor and were prepared to transport her to the hospital. But the baby could not wait.

“The door was locked and no one was coming to the door and they were in the process of forcing entry,” said Deputy Fire Chief John Quatieri. “Just as they got the door open, she gave birth.”

The call came in just before 1 p.m., Quatieri said. Three firefighters from Engine 3 responded to the home and delivered the baby at the scene, he said.

“It’s a healthy baby girl,” Quatieri said. The mother and child were transported to Massachusetts General Hospital.

“We’ve delivered plenty of babies, but nine out of 10 times, you’re able to get the mother transported to the hospital before she gave birth,” he said. “This just happened so quickly.”