Miraculous Baby Delivery on I-66: Prince William 911 Operator's Heroic Intervention

Afnan Abdelhafez, a 911 call taker, is credited with helping a family deliver a baby on Interstate 66 in Prince William County.Photo byPrince William County Government

On the morning of January 30, a remarkable incident unfolded on Interstate 66 in Prince William County, Virginia. Brandon Taylor and his wife, Joan Taylor, were en route to Fair Oaks Hospital in Fairfax from Catlett, accompanied by their 3-year-old son, Theo. Joan, in the midst of labor, began to crown, prompting Brandon to dial 911 for assistance.

At 6:21 a.m., Afnan Abdelhafez, a call taker with the Prince William Department of Public Safety Communications, calmly guided Brandon through the unexpected delivery, helping the couple safely welcome their newborn daughter, Audrey Taylor, into the world on the side of I-66 in Prince William County.

Abdelhafez's swift and composed response earned her a stork pin, a recognition for her exceptional assistance in delivering babies. This marked her second stork pin, a rare achievement for call takers. Abdelhafez, displaying genuine concern for the well-being of the newborn, provided emergency medical instructions to ensure Audrey's health, guiding Brandon on rubbing the infant's foot until the first cry was heard.

Shortly after the delivery, Prince William County firefighters and EMS arrived to provide additional support. The entire emergency response team, including Technician Richard Mitchell and Lt. Luke DeAtley, played crucial roles in ensuring the family's safety and well-being. Capt. Richie Scott was acknowledged for his efforts in keeping young Theo calm and shielding him from potential trauma.

County Executive Chris Shorter presented Abdelhafez with the stork pin, recognizing the extraordinary efforts of 911 call takers in times of crisis. Shorter commended the entire emergency response team, highlighting their compassion and dedication in ushering new life into the world under unique and challenging circumstances. The incident serves as a testament to the invaluable contributions of emergency responders who go above and beyond their duties to ensure the safety and well-being of those in need.