On January 7, in Cubjac, Dordogne, a couple had to stop at a fire station for an emergency birth. Firefighters and medical staff swiftly assisted Héloïse in delivering her son, Evan, in an unprecedented scenario. Following the birth, Anthony expressed gratitude and decided to become a volunteer firefighter. A week later, the family visited the station, and after an interview with the chief, Anthony began the process of joining the team, eager to help others.
An Unexpected Birth in Cubjac
On the night of January 7, a remarkable event unfolded in the small town of Cubjac, Dordogne. As Anthony and his partner Héloïse rushed to the maternity ward in Périgueux, they had to make an emergency stop in the fire station’s parking lot, where Héloïse was on the verge of giving birth. At around 9:45 PM, Anthony noticed unusual lights illuminating the area near the station, which is typically quiet and unoccupied. That evening, an extraordinary gathering of over thirty firefighters, including medical personnel, was taking place.
A Team Effort for a New Life
“We were wrapping up the meeting with about 35 firefighters when we heard honking and knocking at the door,” shared Gilles Bouquet, a 67-year-old doctor and volunteer firefighter. He continued, “We rushed outside, and the father informed us that his wife was in labor and nearly ready to deliver! We could see the baby’s hair.” Realizing time was of the essence, the team quickly sprang into action.
Héloïse was swiftly placed on a stretcher, and an ambulance was positioned nearby to facilitate the delivery. Under the watchful eyes of the healthcare professionals, she prepared to welcome her first child, a son. Although there was no time for an epidural, Héloïse was content without one. “In about half an hour to three-quarters of an hour, it was all over,” Gilles recounted, adding that this was an unprecedented experience in his 38-year career: “Everything went perfectly. We had a nurse and two doctors on hand.”
In no time, the team successfully assisted in the birth of Evan. After the delivery, Héloïse and her newborn were transported safely to the maternity ward, while Anthony expressed his immense gratitude to the firefighters for their support during such an unforgettable moment. This inspiring incident led Anthony to make a heartfelt decision: to become a volunteer firefighter himself.
Just one week after Evan’s arrival, the family visited the fire station to introduce their son to the heroes who helped bring him into the world. This visit marked a pivotal moment for Anthony, a 25-year-old father. “Since Evan was born in the ambulance, they were there when I needed help, and now I want to be there for others too,” he shared. He eagerly sought information about how to join the firefighting team.
Following a prompt interview with the station chief, Lieutenant Fabrice Conangle, Anthony’s genuine enthusiasm was evident. “He is eager to finalize the recruitment process. Everyone is thrilled to have him on board. He’s a local young man,” the lieutenant noted. However, Anthony’s journey toward becoming a volunteer firefighter involved rigorous preparation. After his interview, he needed to complete a series of physical tests, a crucial step before officially joining the ranks of the 38 volunteer firefighters at the Cubjac fire station.