New-born baby treated as trash
Paramedics immediately got to work treating the baby boy, who was experiencing respiratory distress.
WHILE on her way to dispose of rubbish last Thursday, a Malangeni resident heard cries emanating from a municipal refuse container.
When she looked into the container she discovered, much to her shock, a new-born baby boy. Community members were quickly alerted and assisted in retrieving the baby from the dumpster.
“Advanced Life Support paramedic team, Lindani Chagi and his crewmate, Kwazi Sibiya, responded to the call,” said KZN Emergency Medical Services spokesman Robert McKenzie.
Paramedics immediately got to work treating the baby boy, who was experiencing respiratory distress as well as being weak and cold.
“They clamped and cut the umbilical cord, wrapped the baby in a blanket and started to clean and warm him,” said Mr McKenzie.
Paramedics found that the baby was actually in good health, despite having been in the dumpster since before dawn.
“As he started to warm up, the baby started crying and moving more,” said Mr McKenzie.
The baby was taken to GJ Crookes Hospital in nearby Scottburgh by a departmental obstetrics/neonatal ambulance for further urgent medical care.
The woman who found the baby accompanied paramedics to the hospital.
A case of child abandonment has been registered for investigation, – Scottburgh SAPS communications officer, Captain Vincent Pandarum.
An appeal is being made for anyone who may have information as to who the mother is, to contact the Umzinto SAPS Detective Service at 039-9746500.
“By Friday it was confirmed that the baby boy was taking feed and doing well,” said Captain Pandarum.
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