A new mum from Gillingham recently had the emotional opportunity to thank the emergency responders who saved her life after she suffered a life-threatening postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) just moments after giving birth at home.
For 27-year-old Rebecca King, the arrival of her baby daughter, Ophelia, quickly turned from joyous to terrifying. Shortly after the birth, attended by her midwife, Rebecca began to feel faint and clammy as she lost a significant amount of blood.
Recognising the severity, her midwife immediately dialled 999, connecting with Emergency Medical Advisor Cristina Pana. Cristina swiftly identified the call as a category 1 emergency—the highest priority response.
Within five minutes, a highly trained team of clinicians arrived at Rebecca’s home, coordinated by Dispatch Team Leader James Newstead and Resource Dispatcher Adamson Agaba. The responding crew included paramedics Libby Homan and Ceron Meadows, emergency care support worker Melanie Carter, and student paramedics Breeshey Fuller, Olivia Shurben-Browne, and Jade Edwards.
Working efficiently, the team quickly stabilised Rebecca, successfully halting the severe bleeding before transporting her to Medway Maritime Hospital. Rebecca spent three days in hospital, making a full recovery.
Now safely back home, Rebecca recently reunited with the crew at South East Coast Ambulance Service’s Medway Make Ready Centre. During the heartfelt reunion, Rebecca shared her immense gratitude: “In such a terrifying moment, they were all so calm, professional, and compassionate. I felt safe the entire time. I’ll always be grateful they were there when I needed them most.”
Paramedic student Breeshey Fuller, who attended the scene, said: “It was so special to see Rebecca and baby Ophelia under happy circumstances. This is why we do the job—to make a difference when people need us most.”
Fellow crew member Ceron Meadows expressed delight at seeing Rebecca’s recovery: “I was over the moon Rebecca made a fantastic recovery and wanted to meet us all. We’re glad we were able to help in what must have been incredibly scary.”
Melanie Carter added: “Reuniting with Rebecca is why I love my job so much. We’re all thrilled to see her and Ophelia doing so well.”
According to UK data, postpartum haemorrhage affects around 3.7% of births, making it a leading cause of maternal morbidity, although the risk of death remains low at roughly one in 100,000 deliveries.
The reunion highlighted the profound impact emergency services can have on families during critical moments.
