×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Firefighter heroes reunited with baby they saved from the brink of death

Firefighters from Belhar fire station are reunited with baby Bronlyn-Lee, whom they rescued earlier this month.
Firefighters from Belhar fire station are reunited with baby Bronlyn-Lee, whom they rescued earlier this month.
Image: City of Cape Town

Earlier this month a Cape Town woman ran frantically into the Belhar fire station with her two-week old baby who had stopped breathing and was rapidly turning blue, desperate for help to save the baby’s life.

Fast-forward two weeks and the firefighters who were on duty that night visited the healthy baby Bronlyn-Lee Jansen for a tearful reunion, and breathed a collective sigh of relief that they had managed to save the baby’s life.

“I just had to see her, alive and kicking, because when they left the station we never heard from them again,” said Liesl George, who was on duty at the time and helped in the resuscitation efforts.

“I went to their house, and then the mom came out and the baby was all pink and dressed up and she looked so cute,” said George.

The city of Cape Town reported that firefighters had reacted immediately to the desperate situation, and successfully managed to clear the baby’s airways and administer oxygen. After a few tense minutes, the baby started breathing again. 

“Usually we don’t have good results on babies. We try our utmost and give our utmost support and expertise to the patient, and this time we were lucky to revive this baby. So there’s a good ending to this story," said firefighter Alroy Pieterse.

At the reunion the firefighters showered the infant with an assortment of baby clothes and products that George had managed to amass. 

Bronlyn-Lee's mother Chantelle Jansen said that she thanks the Lord every day. 

"Thank you very much to those that never gave up hope to save my baby," she said, overwhelmed by tears.

Firefighter Liesl George led a drive to collect baby clothes and products for the month-old infant.
Firefighter Liesl George led a drive to collect baby clothes and products for the month-old infant.
Image: City of Cape Town

Cape Town's mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith heaped praise on the firefighters.

"These selfless acts where staff members go above and beyond the call of duty fill me with immense pride, because it embodies the spirit of safety and security, which is to serve and protect our residents," he said.

"I applaud the actions of the staff members, not only in saving the life of little Bronlyn-Lee, but also the added joy they’ve brought to her and her family through their kindheartedness," he said.


Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.