A remarkable reunion took place between a young toddler and the emergency responders who had a crucial role in her survival after an extremely premature birth. Shiloh, now three years old, was born at just 23 weeks and one day, weighing a mere 514 grams. Adelyn, her mother, gave birth unexpectedly in their bathroom, experiencing sudden pain that led to the emergency situation.
Displaying her nursing instinct, Adelyn performed CPR on her tiny daughter while awaiting the arrival of paramedics. “I was holding Shiloh in my arms. Her breathing was spacing out… I did CPR with one finger because she was too small,” she recalled.
Paramedic Shannan O’Leary-Colliver was the first responder on the scene. Faced with the gravity of the situation, she and her team made the critical decision to do everything in their power to resuscitate Shiloh. Their determination was mirrored by firefighter Stacy Greenwood, who described Shiloh as incredibly tiny and fragile, noting how her skin appeared almost transparent.
Shiloh was swiftly taken to Casey Hospital and later transferred to Monash Children’s Hospital, where she spent five months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Today, she is a healthy and vibrant three-year-old, embodying the resilience and love spoken of by her father, Shaun. He expressed how Shiloh is now just like any other child and shared their anticipation for her upcoming enrolment in three-year-old kindergarten, stating that it will likely be a more emotional experience for the parents than for Shiloh herself.
The reunion with the emergency responders was a poignant moment, highlighting the profound impact of their quick actions and dedication on Shiloh’s life. The gratitude expressed by Adelyn and Shaun reflects the miracle of their daughter’s survival against all odds, as they celebrate her journey from fragility to health and normalcy.