An Unexpected Emergency
A routine patrol turned into a life-saving mission on June 5 when a Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) highway response operator encountered a woman in active labor on the shoulder of I-40 eastbound in Knox County. Chester Hembree, a veteran operator with the department, arrived at the scene just as the situation reached a critical point.
Upon approaching the vehicle, Hembree attempted to assess the situation with a touch of humor, remarking that they were not going to be delivering a baby on the side of the interstate. The mother quickly informed him that he had arrived just in time, as the birth was already underway.
Life-Saving Intervention
The situation grew dire immediately following the birth when the newborn was found to be unresponsive and not breathing. Drawing on nearly three decades of combined experience in public safety, law enforcement, and emergency medical services, Hembree did not hesitate to intervene while waiting for additional first responders to arrive.
Hembree successfully cleared the infant's airway of mucus and performed necessary stimulation techniques to encourage breathing. His swift actions proved vital, as the baby began to respond to the intervention, ensuring the infant was stable by the time medical teams reached the location.
A Career of Service
Chester Hembree has served as a TDOT highway response operator for two decades, a role that is part of the state’s long-standing Highway Emergency Local Patrol (HELP) program. His ability to manage the high-stress environment of a roadside birth is credited to his extensive background in EMS and law enforcement, which totals nearly 30 years of public service.
Reflecting on the event, Hembree described the experience as a 'badge of honor' within the EMS community. He noted that he happened to be patrolling just one mile away when the call came in, allowing him to reach the stranded motorist in approximately one minute.
The Role of TDOT HELP
The TDOT HELP program has been a staple of Tennessee infrastructure since 1999, focusing on traffic congestion management and motorist assistance. While these operators are trained to handle a variety of roadside emergencies, this specific incident highlights the critical nature of their presence on major thoroughfares.
State officials remind motorists that the HELP program operates 24/7, though there is no direct public phone number for the units. Drivers in need of assistance outside of patrol areas are encouraged to dial *THP (*847) for emergency aid, while those in the Knoxville area can reach local dispatch at (865) 215-4010.
Program Expansion
The incident serves as a timely reminder of the program's importance as TDOT moves forward with plans to expand its reach. While the HELP service was historically limited to the state’s four major metropolitan hubs, the department is currently in the process of extending coverage to include more rural interstate routes throughout 2026.
This story was rewritten from original reporting. Original source: read the source report.