A Mona Vale Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crew was the first on scene at the emergency call at Warriewood around 10.15am on Friday.
A neighbour who heard cries of distress at a home next door called Triple Zero (000).
Joined by police, the Mona Vale FRNSW crew was about to force its way into the townhouse when a quick-thinking five-year-old girl at the home used a step-ladder to activate the automatic garage door.
The first responders entered the home and discovered a mother nursing a newborn in the shower and in need of assistance.
The baby girl's early arrival catching her father off-guard at work.
Female firefighters comforted the woman until NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived and transported mum and the baby to hospital.
Smiles all round! Photo: FRNSW
Nikki Ross, the new mum, praised FRNSW firefighters for their assistance.
“They were fantastic with everything… they were so helpful and I really appreciate what they did for me,” she said.
“I’m still in shock… it was a bit crazy this morning but now all is good.”
FRNSW Leading Station Officer Tracey Spindler said, “I’ve been faced with some interesting scenarios in my 24 years as a firefighter… but this tops the lot and is this the most special without a doubt.
“Even when you’re thinking about being ‘Prepared for Anything’, you certainly aren’t expecting this.”
Deputy Commissioner, Field Operations at FRNSW, Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM said ''I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Tracey for a long time and I’m confident that her and her crew’s level of empathy and professionalism would have brought a level of calm to a very chaotic situation.''
FRNSW commends the actions of the baby girl’s sister, who has been presented with a firefighter’s red helmet and a ‘Care Bear” for her efforts.
Beautiful baby girl. Photo: FRNSW
