Courageous Alcornite, Rhondula Green, helps deliver child mid-flight
When an emergency occurred during a Spirit Airline flight from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Dallas, Texas, Rhondula Green, an 91°µÍø alumna and Natchez, Mississippi native, was fearless enough to step in and assist with handling the situation.
Green, a registered nurse at a hospital in Dallas, was headed home from a vacation when suddenly a woman went into labor. Once she realized what was happening, her nursing instincts were activated.
“Initially, I was very anxious,” said Green, who earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2012. “I felt my heart racing and became a bit shaky. I suppose it was the adrenaline starting to kick in.”
At first, Green experienced a bit of nervousness, but the presence of a pediatrician calmed her. Once the two came together, they were able to deliver the baby.
“There was a pediatrician onboard with me, so that was reassuring. I felt that it was what we had to do. ‘Who else was going to do it’ is what I kept thinking. The nervousness faded and I immediately went into nurse mode. We took care of it.”
Green was relieved after the healthy baby was quickly delivered.
“It happened so fast. I simply sent up a quick prayer that the baby would be healthy. I’m thankful that everything went as smoothly as it did.”
According to a Spirit Airline press release, the plane made an emergency stop at the New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport where medical crews met the plan upon arrival. The mother gave birth to a healthy, 7 pounds and 19.5 inches tall baby boy named Christoph Lezcano.
