“We can’t thank Zoe enough”: call handler helps deliver ‘little miracle’

A call handler has been thanked for her part in helping to deliver a ‘little miracle’ into the world.

James Boswell became an emergency midwife when his partner Emma Rook went into labour on 12th July at their home in Leiston, Suffolk.

With baby Joseph in a hurry to be born before the arrival of a midwife or our crews, Call Handler Zoe Shawki gave advice and instructions over the phone to ensure the safe delivery of the little boy.

The family met with Zoe this week (7th September) to say thank you to the voice that kept them calm during the drama.

Emma had been having labour pains five days before the birth of Joseph, but had been sent home from hospital because she was not in active labour. But Joseph then decided to make a speedy arrival.

James said: “We were both in a bit of a panic. I phoned the midwife at the hospital and she asked if we could get in, but it was too late by then and the hospital phoned 999.

“It was just so sudden and I came across a bit flustered on the phone. I can remember Zoe being quite firm and was clear with her instructions, which is exactly what I needed. She was very reassuring.

“It was an amazing experience.”

Joseph was born in their bedroom at 8.10am weighing 7lb 4oz, just before the arrival of the ambulance crew and midwife. Mum and baby were checked over, but did not need to be taken to hospital.

Emma added: “We are so grateful and can’t thank Zoe enough. She helped us by giving James clear and brilliant advice and instructions over the phone and helped to bring our little boy into this world safely. Without her, goodness knows how we would have dealt with it! We will forever be grateful to Zoe.”

Well done Zoe!

 Published 10th September, 2015