Campbell County Health EMS: A Remarkable Team Ready to Deliver Life When It's Needed Most

Campbell County Health EMS: A Remarkable Team Ready to Deliver Life When It's Needed Most 

In the world of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), high-pressure, life-or-death situations like car accidents and heart attacks are the typical focus. However, for the dedicated team at Campbell County Health (CCH) EMS, there is another kind of emergency that requires just as much precision, skill, and heart: field deliveries. This year, the team has had the remarkable experience of assisting in three field deliveries within a few weeks of each other—an uncommon occurrence in their line of work, where only one delivery typically happens each year. These deliveries took place in Sheridan, Gillette, and then included an intercept from Moorcroft. 

What sets these field deliveries apart is the team's ability to blend their medical expertise with a compassionate approach, helping mothers navigate a stressful, often unpredictable moment in their lives. 

The Team Behind the Deliveries 

The recent field deliveries involved several key team members: Dawson Rivera, Courtney Fulginiti, Benjamin Wetzel, George Bondora, Daniel Katz, and Justin Young. Together, they brought a wealth of knowledge and experience, ensuring the best possible care for both mothers and babies in these extraordinary situations. 

The first delivery occurred on December 16th, with the next two on January 12th. While this many field deliveries are rare, the CCH EMS team is always prepared for the unexpected, fully equipped with the necessary training and tools to handle these moments with confidence and professionalism. 

“We are the calm in the storm,” said Courtney, reflecting on what makes field deliveries stand out. “We’re trained to be cool, calm, and collected. Even though the situation might feel chaotic for the mom or anyone else around, we come in and we are the calm in the storm.” 

The Training and Tools That Set CCH EMS Apart 

CCH EMS stands out not only because of its high level of general EMS training but also because of its specialized preparation for field deliveries. Every paramedic is certified in Neonatal Resuscitation and trained to handle the unique challenges that come with assisting in childbirth. CCH EMS ambulances are also stocked with specialized tools like Pitocin and Magnesium, providing critical support to both mothers and babies during delivery. 

“We are set up better than any other service I’ve been around,” said Benjamin, who has been with CCH EMS for four years. “In Wyoming, I don’t know of any other system where all paramedics are certified in Neonatal Resuscitation. We’re bringing more tools to the table to help in these situations than any other service.” 

The ability to work as a cohesive team is also vital. During one of the recent deliveries, Ben and Daniel worked together. Ben having already assisted in several field deliveries, and Daniel completing his very first. Daniel, who had dreamed of working in EMS for years, found the experience both humbling and rewarding. 

“It’s a privilege to be there for mom, to help guide her through the delivery,” Daniel said. “It’s fascinating because we don’t know what to expect. But we’re prepared for anything, and that gives us the confidence to reassure the mom and support her through the process.” 

Daniel added, “We have high expectations at Campbell County Health for the training and expertise of our providers. If I was talking to mom right now, I would simply tell her that women have been delivering babies on their own for a long time and we are there to help. She’s very capable, and listening to herself is key. You have a built-in intuition to do this.” 

The Emotional Side of Field Deliveries 

Field deliveries come with an emotional weight that is different from most EMS calls. Dawson, who has been with CCH EMS for two years, explained the joy and significance that comes with bringing new life into the world. 

“Most of the time, when we respond to a call, it’s one patient, and we know what to expect,” Dawson said. “But in the case of a field delivery, we have two (sometimes more) patients. It’s about bringing a new life into the world. That’s a big difference.” 

For many of the team members, these moments stand in stark contrast to the typically tense, life-threatening situations they face. It’s rare for EMS providers to end a call with “Congratulations!” but with a successful field delivery, that's exactly what happens. 

Daniel added, “To a large extent, it’s just a privilege to show up for mom. Moms can deliver babies all day long—they’ve been doing it forever. We just handle worst-case scenarios.” 

One of Daniel’s most memorable moments came when the mother, after giving birth, simply needed a moment to breathe and collect herself. “The mom just wanted 30-60 seconds to catch her breath after the birth. Ben held baby while I comforted her. It was huge for patient care just to let her know it was okay to take a second. We said, ‘You did a great job, mom.’” In that moment, the team was able to offer not just medical support but emotional reassurance, an essential part of comprehensive care. 

Colleen, a supervisor at CCH EMS, expressed the emotional significance of these moments: “One of the greatest gifts is to be able to help bring life into the world.” 

George, another team member, shared his perspective on the emotional difference field deliveries make: “With a typical 911 call, somebody's having the worst day of their lives. Even if things turn out well, it still wasn’t a good day for them. But with field delivery calls, everybody is generally happy, and it is a huge difference.” 

A Positive Impact on Families and the Community 

Field deliveries leave a lasting, positive impact on the families involved. Daniel reflected on how important it is to create a supportive, positive experience for families during what could otherwise be a highly stressful time. 

“In North America, 1 in 4 women report PTSD after labor,” Daniel said. “So, if they’re calling us, it’s likely that it’s going to be one of those situations due to the stress. We get to walk in and bring calm to the storm. We get to affirm mom that she’s super capable, and that everything is going to be okay. We get to invite dad into the moment and create a family moment for them. We get to help give them a positive experience as opposed to something really traumatic that they never want to do again. That affects families for generations.” 

George, a paramedic with several years of experience, echoed this sentiment: “When things don’t go to plan, we’re their first contact with the healthcare system. That’s a big responsibility, but it’s also a privilege. We’re fully prepared to be the first point of contact and to make sure the family is in good hands moving forward.” 

As part of their ongoing commitment to excellence, CCH EMS ensures that every paramedic is continually trained in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support), ensuring they are always ready for any situation. 

“We’ve got the training and the tools,” said Colleen. “But most importantly, we work closely with the OB Unit at the hospital, so we know we can always lean on them for support if needed.”  

Additionally, EMS receives their training directly from the Maternal Child Unit at CCH, ensuring that patients are receiving the same quality of care they would if they were in the Maternal Child Unit itself. 

Conclusion 

The recent field deliveries highlight the expertise, dedication, and professionalism of the Campbell County Health EMS team. Whether in an ambulance or on the scene of an emergency, these paramedics are more than medical professionals, they are the calm in the storm, helping to bring new life into the world when it’s needed most. 

Whether facing a medical emergency or welcoming new life, CCH EMS is there, offering unwavering support, expertise, and compassion every step of the way.