Doctor Speeds Down Burning Highway On Motorcycle At 2 A.M. To Save 8 Preemies In NICU

By Amanda Froelich Truth Theory

Heroes aren’t born, they are made. They are created in the seemingly ordinary choices made every day — as well as during the difficult times, when it’s hard to think, speak and even breathe. Fortunately for eight premature babies, Dr. Scott Witt is the type of individual who — perhaps not knowing he was a hero — was prepared to act as one regardless.

The noteworthy doctor was asleep one night when he was woken up by an unexpected phone call. Reportedly, a fire was consuming the hospital he worked at in California, and premature babies’ lives were in danger. He recalled, “I got a call at 2AM basically saying that there was some fire encroaching on the hospital so we might have to evacuate.”

The doctor told his family to leave, as the wildfire was approaching. Rather than join them, however, he decided to drive to the hospital and assist with the evacuation. There was just one problem: the freeway was covered with flames.“I left in my truck but couldn’t get very far because the freeway at that time had flames going across it,” he said.

So, Witt exchanged the truck for a motorcycle. By 2 a.m., he was speeding through fire, weaving through traffic jams, and avoiding fallen power lines to reach the hospital. Once Witt reached the hospital, he saw fire burning close to the parking lot. “The intensive care unit already smelled with a lot of smoke and I wanted to move everybody to a parking lot without any fire in it,” he said.

NBC News reports that he and the other hospital staff quickly worked to evacuate all eight premature babies into the ambulance, which then headed to a nearby hospital. Witt proceeded to follow them on the motorcycle. “After going on the freeway, I said to the ambulance driver, ‘I don’t know if it’s the most scary thing I’ve done but close to it,'” Witt said.

After ensuring the babies were safely delivered, Witt reunited with his family. Later, he checked on their house. Sadly, it had been “totally burned down” by the wildfire. Fortunately, everyone was safe.  “We didn’t have any injuries, we were just happy to be together in faith,” Witt said.

Parts of the hospital and Witt’s home were destroyed by the Tubbs Fire, which is now at the top of the list for the most destructive wildfires in California history. In total, the Tubbs fire burned more than 36,000 acres and was 93 percent contained by Friday, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Image Credit: Courtesy Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital

I am Luke Miller, content manager at Truth Theory and creator of Potential For Change. I like to blend psychology and spirituality to help you create more happiness in your life.Grab a copy of my free 33 Page Illustrated eBook- Psychology Meets Spirituality- Secrets To A Supercharged Life You Control Here