Boy, 12, Who Delivered Baby With Dispatcher's Help 'Was Very Scared'

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — A Flanders boy, 12, will have quite the story to write in his "What I Did Over Summer Vacation" essay this fall: The boy helped to deliver his aunt's baby recently, with the guidance a dedicated police public safety dispatcher and an officer who came to his aid.

The boy, Miguel Dominiguez, Southampton Town Police Public Safety Dispatcher Christopher Brenner, and Southampton Town Police Officer James C. Cavanagh were honored Wednesday with a proclamation from Southampton Town Police Chief James Kiernan.

According to Southampton Town police, the incident took place Friday at about 10:16 a.m.; authorities received a 911 call from the boy, who said his aunt, 22, was in labor.

Dispatcher Brenner immediately began giving the boy clear instructions on how to help his aunt with the childbirth, authorities said.

While on the phone with PSD Brenner giving birthing/medical instructions, and the "cool-headed actions of a 12-year-old child", the mother successfully delivered a healthy baby boy, police said.

Just as the baby was being born, PO Cavanagh arrived and assisted with the care of the mother and child, police said.

Shortly thereafter, Flanders Northampton Volunteer ambulance arrived, took over care of the mother and child, and transported them to Peconic Bay Medical Center, police said.

"Thanks to professionalism and diligence of all involved, both mother and child are resting and healthy at the hospital," police said.

Reflecting on the amazing story, Chief Kiernan said: "Extraordinary acts like this, by a 12-year-old in the midst of what must have been a chaotic situation, are remarkable. The officer and dispatcher taking professional action does not surprise me. I am amazed every day while having a front-row seat to the best police officers and dispatchers in the business."

He added: "Sometimes I walk into the communications room, and it is like a symphony going on. In the throes of a crisis, these folks bring calmness to the other side of the phone with caring words of comfort and assurance that everything will be okay. They guide people though the worst times with their words as the rest of the room is busy getting resources to where they need to go and covering every base to reach a positive outcome."

Miguel, who is in eighth grade at Riverhead Middle School, said he was "very, very scared" when he saw that his aunt was ready to deliver. "I had to dial 911," he said.

Asked how he felt in that moment, Miguel said: "I don't know how to explain it." But, he said, he was thankful for the dispatcher's help and was "very relieved" when the baby was born safely.

His mother Alexsandra, he said, "is very happy. She's very proud of me."

Miguel said he was very honored to be feted by the police Wednesday. He's been to see the baby, who he said is "very cute."

Now, Miguel is a hero in the family after his quick-thinking and level-headed actions. His aunt, he said, "is very grateful."

But so far, Miguel said becoming a doctor is only something he might possibly consider. When asked what he'd like to do, when he grows up, he said, "I'd like to be an animator."

Dispatcher Brenner reflected on the experience: "It's incredible," he told Patch. "What a great day for me."

He added, "I'm amazed how the 12-year-old boy did such a great job. He did an amazing job on the phone. He was calm. He helped get all the supplies I asked for. His mom assisted, but the boy did most of the work. Without his help, who knows what would have happened."

It was an experience Brenner said will stay with him forever.

"It was one of the most rewarding calls I have taken over the 31 years that I have been there," he said. "While I was taking the call, the other dispatchers that I was working with relayed all the information out to the responding units. They, too, deserve a lot of credit. It was a team effort."

Brenner added: "I am proud to be part of such a wonderful event. It was the most rewarding moment ever."