Baby Born Inside Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie Fire Station After Labor Progresses Rapidly
A newborn boy named Soën arrived at a fire station in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, Vendée, in the early hours of September 1, 2026, after his parents realized they would not reach the maternity hospital in Les Sables-d’Olonne in time. The emergency delivery occurred less than 15 minutes after the family arrived at the local station, according to an account shared on social media by the Service départemental d’incendie et de secours de la Vendée and reported by Le Journal des Sables.
The parents, residents of L’Aiguillon-sur-Vie, had set out for the maternity ward late in the night between August 31 and September 1 as the mother’s labor advanced quickly. Recognizing that the birth was imminent, the father drove to the local fire and rescue center at approximately 1:30 a.m. Firefighters stepped in immediately to assist with the unexpected delivery inside the facility.
Emergency Medical Team Arrives to Care for Mother and Newborn
Firefighters at the Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie center managed the rapid birth before a dedicated medical team arrived at the station to take over care for the mother and the newborn. The Departmental Fire and Rescue Service described the event as a rare occurrence that left a lasting impression on the personnel on duty that night.
Weeks after the delivery, the family returned to the fire station to thank the personnel who assisted them. During the visit, the firefighters reunited with infant Soën—who remains in very good health—and met his older sister, who had been left in the care of relatives on the night of the birth.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie Station Birth
Where did the family originally intend for the birth to take place?
The parents planned to reach the maternity hospital in Les Sables-d’Olonne before active labor progressed too far for travel.
How long did the delivery take once the family reached the fire station?
The birth of baby Soën took place inside the fire and rescue center in less than 15 minutes.
Who cared for the mother and newborn after the delivery?
An emergency medical team arrived at the fire station shortly after the birth to provide follow-up care and ensure the safety of both the mother and the infant.
Related reading