How do hospitals evacuate newborns in an emergency?
It’s one of those things that doesn’t cross your mind—unless you're a nurse. That’s why many people are surprised when they discover how it’s done.
Take this mom, for example, who goes by @momma1323 on TikTok. In a video posted to her account, she shared how “freaked out” she was when she saw an oversized vest, known as an evacuation apron, designed with pockets big enough to carry a baby.
“We’re just shoving the babies in feet first?” @momma1323 asks in the clip.
Yes, that’s essentially how it works—although it’s not quite as drastic as the word “shoving” might suggest.
The video reveals several types of vests used for emergency evacuations. One style supports the baby’s head, keeping it upright, while another places the baby sideways in the pocket, almost like a kangaroo pouch. In both cases, these vests allow nurses to keep their hands free while ensuring the babies are safely evacuated.
There’s also a specialized evacuation stroller that can hold four to six babies, depending on the model, though this sacrifices the hands-free advantage.
“I don’t know why I never even thought about what it would be like to evacuate a hospital… it never even crossed my mind,” said @momma1323.
And she’s not alone. Many people share her reaction, with some even finding it a little unsettling when they first learn about these methods.
A humorous video blooper featuring a baby doll hitting the wall gives a glimpse of why some might feel nervous about the process.
While it may sound unusual, these tools are essential for moving babies quickly in an emergency. Trained staff use them safely, and while the situation might seem a bit strange, these funny-looking vests could very well save a baby's life if the worst were to happen.
And now, we can all add this to the list of things we never knew we didn’t know.