CSP Saves a Babies Life

jimmnn · #1 (**permalink**) 02-21-2007, 11:37 PM

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. -- The Colorado State Patrol helped save the life of an infant girl in desperate need of a blood transfusion Friday after a blood currier was stranded in Georgetown from Interstate 70's shutdown.

Fifty ounces of blood was being sent from Bon Fils Blood Center in Denver to Steamboat Springs after Jayme Janet Brungardt was born Thursday at Yampa Valley Medical Center with anemia and jaundice.

The baby was suffering from a rare, intense form of jaundice, a blood incompatibility problem.

Doctors said the infant needed a blood transfusion immediately to save her life. But weather conditions and avalanche dangers shut parts of Interstate 70 down for hours on Friday and Saturday.

Among the stranded motorists was the blood currier delivering the much-needed blood to save the life of the 6 pound 11 ounce baby girl.

Hospital officials immediately called the Colorado State Patrol and an emergency transport was ordered.

Trooper Tim Maestas rushed to Georgetown to get the blood. He took the blood to Kremmling and then handed it off to Corporal Jack DeSanti who drove off in a snowstorm in a Ford Crown Victoria.

"We just did what we had to do," DeSanti said. "We got there as quick as we could."

DeSanti chose to take Rabbit Ears Pass even though it was closed.

"There were some sections of the road where the snow was blowing pretty hard," DeSanti said. "I had to slow down, but I have been across the pass enough times that I was confident I could get it over there."

DeSanti was able to deliver the blood and the blood transfusion was successful.

"She's our miracle baby thanks to a lot of helping hands," said Jayme's mother Melissa Brungardt. "I'm just really impressed and very thankful. We feel pretty important."

"It feels good. I'm glad we were able to help out," DeSanti said.

Melissa Brungardt said she wants to thank Yampa Valley Medical Center, Bon Fils Blood Center, and Children's Hospital for their diagnosis, and Maestas and DeSanti for going the extra mile to save baby Jayme's life.