A routine patrol in southwest Oklahoma turned into an emergency medical scramble when an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper unexpectedly found himself delivering a baby on the shoulder of a highway.
According to Fox News, Trooper Tyler Shelby had been assigned to assist with traffic control for an approaching ambulance on Nov. 22.
The call involved a woman already in active labor, and with only a mile to cover, Shelby arrived quickly, according to OHP.
His dash camera captured what he saw when he pulled up: a black Chevrolet Camaro sitting on the shoulder, the passenger door flung open, and an expectant mother bracing herself in the front seat.
Shelby initially approached with one goal — to reassure her that paramedics were almost there.
But the situation escalated instantly.
“The baby is coming!” the woman told him.
Shelby responded reflexively: “Well, don’t push!”
The warning came too late. Within moments, Shelby found himself assisting with a delivery he never expected to handle that morning. OHP said the baby arrived in seconds.
Shelby later downplayed the moment.
“All I did was play catch,” he said.
The ambulance arrived shortly afterward and transported both the mother and her newborn son, Finley, to a hospital for continued care, OHP said.
Despite the unexpected detour, Shelby quickly returned to his regular patrol duties.
“Trooper Shelby then went right back to work, ready for the next call,” the agency said. “We’re happy to report that both mother and baby are doing great!”
OHP noted that troopers receive medical training that includes the basics of childbirth, even if it’s not something they encounter often.
“Our medical training includes the basics of delivering a baby – something we hope we don’t encounter often – but when the moment comes, our troopers are ready to help,” OHP said. “To the family, we are thrilled for you and grateful that Trooper Shelby could be there in your moment of need! Congratulations on your new arrival!”
Officials added that unusual roadside deliveries aren’t unheard of. Earlier this year, a Michigan couple welcomed a baby in a McDonald’s parking lot during an unplanned rush to the hospital.
