Home delivery took on a new meaning for some Barwon South West paramedics last week when they delivered a healthy baby girl in the middle of the street.
Photo by Geelong Advertiser
Ambulance Victoria paramedics Jacob Morris and Tiana Robertson didn’t have time to help mum Kathryn Robins into the ambulance before the 34-year-old gave birth to her second child on the stretcher outside her home.
Mrs Robins, now a mum of two, described the experience as a blur.
“My first labour lasted 24 hours so we thought we’d have time,” Kathryn said.
“I started having contractions around 6am that morning and we were in contact with my midwife from the outset but when we realised we weren’t going to make it to hospital, my husband called an ambulance.”
On arrival, the crew was still hopeful that Kathryn could deliver at hospital, but her baby had other ideas.
“We were about to load her into the ambulance but by that point the baby was on its way,” Jacob said.
“We loaded her onto the ambulance bed in front of their house and it all happened very quickly.”
Baby Madison was born at 8.20am and was transported with her mum to University Hospital Geelong.
“Kathryn did all the work, and we just did our best to create a safe environment for her,” Jacob said.
The family was able to return home after just six hours in hospital.
“The fact we were both so well and able to go home just shows how well we were looked after,” Kathryn said.
“The paramedics were amazing, they even came back after we’d arrived at hospital and brought me a coffee, because I’d been telling them I could really use one!”
The family was delighted to reintroduce Madison to the paramedics this week.
“It was really special to see them again,” Kathryn said.
“Madison is doing great and we’re enjoying life as a family of four.”
