Grants Pass, Ore — A Josephine County mom and her new baby son are happy and healthy thanks to a little help from a local 911 dispatcher.
Motherhood tends to come with plenty of excitement but for Jessica Wallis the newest addition to her family came as a bit of a surprise, luckily she had a guardian angel in the room and another on the other side of the phone.
Forest Michael Ray Wallis was born 4 pounds and 13 ounces, Forest’s arrival was a little unexpected for mother Jessica Wallis.
“As soon as she yelled call 911, I pretty much knew it was going to happen,” said Wallis’ aunt, Suzan Rathjen,.
Forest wasn’t due for another month, and with no time to get to the hospital Rathjen called 911.
“It just happened so quick and the water hadn’t broke yet so once the water broke, he was there,” said Wallis.
On the other side, was dispatcher Renee Herndon.
“We’re basically the first responders, we’re who they get to help with their emergency first, before the fire department paramedics or officers get on scene,” said Herndon.
With 8 years of 911 experience and a helper on the other side,
“The aunt knew the baby was coming and I was telling her what to get and how to help the mom,” said Herndon.
Herndon walked the family through the birth, which took about 4 minutes.
“He did not want to wait for any doctor,” said Wallis.
A day later, Herndon got to meet the little guy.
“It was a rush, it was nerve-wracking and exciting all at the same time,” said Herndon.
A phone call none of them will soon forget.
“It’s pretty amazing to see mom and baby, and see what I helped bring into this world,” said Herndon.
Forest and his mother will stay in the hospital for another couple days while doctors monitor his weight.
This is Wallis’ sixth child, all boys.
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