Call handler helps deliver two babies in one shift

Chelmsford Call Handler Lisa McGee helped deliver two babies in one shift, in a story that has been reported in the press and captured social media.

The families of two mums-to-be called 999 on 25th February after labour progressed much faster than anticipated – and on both occasions Lisa was on the end of the line to give reassurance and birthing instructions.

Lisa said: “It is the little things that make you remember why you do the job and helping two couples become parents is definitely top of my list. We get a lot of pregnancy calls and sometimes we’re lucky enough to help. We try to keep people calm and reassured.”

The mum-of-two from Witham said she feels blessed and privileged to have played a key role in two special arrivals: “Something like this makes you remember why you wanted to do the job in the first place. Helping people and bringing lives into the world makes your job feel very worthwhile.”

Lisa was praised by Jayne Wright from Heybridge, who gave birth around 9.15pm to her third child, a healthy 6lb 9oz boy named Sidney.

The 41-year-old mum said: “The call handler was absolutely brilliant – a real star. The way she calmed us down and talked us through it was amazing. She was cool as a cucumber even though my fiancé Frank was screaming and shouting. It all happened super fast.”

Around 6.30am the next morning in Stanway near Colchester, Hannah Farrell gave birth to 7lb 12.5oz Jayden – the first child for her and partner, Nyal Parker.

“My body started to push before I did,” said Hannah, 18. “Mum was on the phone and was told to support the baby’s head as it came out. I was just concentrating on pushing. The midwife got here and was just putting her second glove on as the baby was born. I can’t believe how fast it happened. I’m really grateful that all turned out ok.”

The story has had more than 80 likes on Facebook, been covered in Ambulance Today and in local press, including the Braintree and Witham Times and the Essex Chronicle.

Published 30th March 2015 

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