Overview
- A Delta flight from Atlanta to Portland saw passenger Ashley Blair give birth Friday night moments before landing, according to airport officials.
- Off‑duty paramedics Tina Fritz and Kaarin Powell stepped in without an obstetrical kit and used passenger blankets and a shoelace to tie the umbilical cord.
- Portland Airport Fire & Rescue said mother and newborn were healthy on arrival and took them to a local hospital for observation.
- Delta thanked the crew and medical volunteers, though its note about a doctor and two nurses conflicts with Fritz’s account and remains unclarified.
- The baby, Brielle Renee Blair, arrived about two weeks early as Powell cut the cord and held her through touchdown.