A barbeque lunch and open house at the Chatham-Kent EMS headquarters was met with a surprise from an out of town family that has a tight-bond with paramedics.
Lindsay Margeson gave birth to her fourth child in 2017 while she was returning to Brantford from Wallaceburg. It was along Highway 401 that she came to the shocking realization that she was going into labour. That is when she dialled 911 and paramedics rushed to the scene to help. Two crews, one from Chatham and one from St. Thomas, were called to assist the soon-to-be mother of four. The crew from Chatham arrived at the scene first and helped to deliver Hunter Margeson before they arrived at the hospital.
Thus the legend of the "401 baby" was born.
On Wednesday, Margeson, her son Hunter, and their family showed up to EMS headquarters to surprise the crew that helped with the birth of her fourth child.
"All the services that are here, respect them, do little things for them," said Margeson, "They did an amazing thing for us, they brought a life into the world and it's not that far of a drive down "
Chatham-Kent EMS General Manager Donald McLellan said the unit keeps in contact with the Margesons. During Hunter's first birthday a couple of the paramedics made the trip up to Brantford to celebrate. In return, Lindsay makes attempts to make her presence felt by making appearances at events in Chatham or bringing treats for the medics.
"At Christmas, we sent them cupcakes," she said. "It's just appreciation... they have a job but they do more than they're asked sometimes."
The family continues to give back to the community in more ways than one., On April 13, 2018, the family gave a $455 cheque to the local safety village which went directly into programs at the Children’s Safety Village.