On Monday at 5:16 pm, Engine 9 was dispatched to the Kroger on Old Fort Parkway for a behavioral evaluation. Upon arrival, Engine 9 was notified by MPD that there was a possibility of a baby in a locked car. Firefighter D ran up to the car and was unable to see if a baby was in the car seat due to the dark window tint. Firefighter D broke the driver’s window out immediately in an attempt to unlock all of the doors. The electronics in the car would not work to unlock the door. Firefighter G then busted the window on the passenger door to help gain access. Engine 9's crew was able to unlock the backdoor and Engineer C jumped in the back seat to get the baby. The 5-week-old baby was under blankets and strapped into the car seat. Engineer C was able to unwrap and unbuckle the baby boy who was soaking wet from sweat. Engineer C pulled the limp baby from the car and immediately ran it over to the MPD officer’s car where it was much cooler. Engine 9s crew worked quickly to assess the baby and found that the baby was breathing but was extremely hot, diaphoretic, and lethargic. Engine 9's crew worked rapidly to remove the baby's clothing and administer blow by oxygen. Firefighter G thought quickly and took the baby's clothes to the water cooler on Engine 9 and wet them with ice-cold water to help cool the baby down. Captain L held oxygen via a Nonrebreather on the baby while Firefighters D and D assisted Engineer C with Medical care.

​​​​​​​A NICU nurse named Melissa Nicholson from St Thomas Rutherford and her two children approached the scene and asked if we need her assistance. She stated she saw the crew breaking windows and thought a child might have been involved. Engine 9's crew was grateful to have a subject matter expert come in and advise the crew. Nurse Melissa helped Engine 9's crew assess the baby and advised Engine 9 on the next steps she thought would be helpful. The assurance that Nurse Melissa gave Engine 9's crew was invaluable and helped successfully keep the baby alive until Rutherford County EMS arrived on the scene. Nurse Melissa went as far as to call the NICU to notify them of the situation that was coming their way. The temperature outside was 97 degrees and the heat index was at 97 degrees and the heat index was at 108 degrees at the time of Engine 9s arrival, and the baby had been in the car for a reported 20 minutes with the car off. The fast action from Engine 9’s crew and the assistance from Nurse Melissa saved that child’s life. If that child had been in the hot car for a few more minutes, the outcome could have been very different. Without a doubt that beautiful baby is still on this earth thanks to Engine 9 and Melissa.