Photo: abile / iStock / Getty Images
Miami, FL - Two Miami Dade Schools Police officers helped a 21-year-old woman deliver a baby on the side of the Florida Turnpike after she went into labor during morning traffic.
The incident occurred Tuesday near Southwest 152nd Street as the driver, identified as Lorena Acosta, was traveling from Homestead.
According to reports, Acosta’s family flagged down Officers Sophia Blancas and Melissa Fernandez when her contractions intensified and her water broke.
First responders were called, but due to heavy traffic, they were unable to arrive before the birth began.
Officer Blancas, who has completed emergency childbirth training and is a mother herself, guided Acosta through the delivery.
She put on gloves and positioned herself near the passenger side of the vehicle to assist.
Officer Fernandez arrived shortly after and retrieved an emergency blanket from her patrol car to help keep the newborn warm.
News outlets reported that the baby was delivered safely before paramedics arrived.
Miami Dade Schools Police confirmed both officers are six-year veterans of the department.
The mother and baby were transported to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital in stable condition.
A photo provided by first responders shows Acosta holding her newborn while being loaded into an ambulance, with the officers standing nearby.
Acosta later told media outlets that she was nervous because it was her first child, but the officers reassured her throughout the delivery.
No injuries were reported, and the department acknowledged the officers' actions on social media.