November 14, 2008

On December 10 2007, Leo Wagner was born in the bathroom of his family’s home. Luckily, a Toronto EMS Emergency Medical Dispatcher was on hand to give his father pre-delivery instructions over the phone. Shortly after H.P. Wagner placed the 911 call, four Toronto EMS paramedics arrived, and Leo soon emerged into their capable hands. H.P. recently told CTV health reporter Monica Matys that he’s grateful to EMS for helping him out. “It was really good support,” he said.

Today, Leo had the chance to reunite with the dispatcher and paramedics who helped with his delivery thanks to the Toronto Paramedic Association, who received a request through Leo’s mother, Anissa Wagner. At the reunion, Anissa told CTV, “When you realize what these people do every day, it’s really special and giving of themselves. I was happy that they were there!”

Toronto EMS paramedics and Emergency Medical Dispatchers deliver approximately 60 babies each year, and they are eligible to receive a stork pin for each baby delivered.