Shock Home Birth After 999 Call
Becky Smithson, from Thrapston, Northamptonshire, faced a dramatic rush to the hospital when her waters broke. Labour kicked off at 2.15pm with contractions every two minutes. Realising her baby might arrive before her husband Callum could get home from cambridge/" title="Cambridge" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Cambridge, Becky dialled 999 just 30 minutes later.
Paramedics Race Against Time
Becky made it downstairs to open the door just as Callum and paramedics Tahlia Feasey and Josh Miller from East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) arrived. They were soon joined by Sarah-Jayne Parsons and Jon Channon from East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST).
The team quickly spotted Becky was suffering shoulder dystocia, a dangerous complication where the baby’s shoulder gets stuck during birth. Acting fast, they shifted Becky into the perfect position. Baby Imogen was born safely at 3.29pm — just over an hour after the first contraction.
Paramedics Return for a Special Reunion
On Monday 18 September, the crew visited the family at home to meet baby Imogen. Sarah-Jayne presented her with a paramedic teddy bear as a keepsake of her dramatic arrival.
“It was very interesting to hear their version of events as in my mind it all went really fast and smoothly. I didn’t realise how serious things were at one point when baby’s head was out, but her shoulder was stuck. They remained very calm and reassuring throughout,” Becky said.
“It was really lovely to see the crew again, they are such wonderful, kind and genuine people. Sarah also bought Imogen a paramedic crochet bear which will be a memento of her wild entrance to the world, and incredibly thoughtful.
“The paramedics that day were true angels, and I will be forever grateful for their knowledge and care.”
