Heroic Call Handlers Help Deliver Baby Girl in Surrey
Two Surrey Police call handlers have been honoured for their quick thinking and calm nerves after helping deliver a baby girl over the phone in April. Kerry Major and Rachel Hibbitt received special stork-themed badges from South East Coast Ambulance Service for their lifesaving efforts.
Drama on the Line
The duo were on duty just before 1pm on 13 April when they got a frantic call. A woman said her sister was in labour and the baby was nearly born. Kerry kept the father on the line, while Rachel called the ambulance service, making sure both mum and baby got the right advice.
The baby girl arrived mere seconds after the call started. Kerry recalled, “Rachel and I relayed instructions from the ambulance service as the birth happened right there on the phone.”
Calm Under Pressure
With paramedics still on their way, Kerry and Rachel stayed composed, ensuring mum and baby were safe and well. “This isn’t something we train for usually – it really tested us,” Kerry added. Luckily, both mum and newborn were healthy and doing well after the dramatic delivery.
Rachel said, “Calls like this with a happy ending make the job worthwhile. It’s a story I’ll never forget.”
High Praise and Special Awards
The badges were handed out on 9 June at SeCAMB Headquarters in Crawley by Emergency Medical Advisor Rebecca Jones and Operating Unit Manager Mark Bailey. Sarah Durston, Head of Contact, praised their professionalism: “They handled a very stressful ordeal calmly and should be incredibly proud.”
“Kerry and Rachel did a great job. They stayed calm and relayed all the vital instructions. We were delighted to hear mum and baby are both well – they played a crucial part in this amazing outcome.” – Rebecca Jones
