SECAmb crews were reunited with the baby they resuscitated after he was born eight weeks prematurely at the family home.
Kent parents, Philippa and Harry, were able to share their thanks and news that baby Albie not only survived his traumatic entrance into the world but he is now thriving three months on from the ordeal.
On 30 December 2024, Philippa had been experiencing some pain and had made her way to Medway Maritime Hospital before being sent home to rest. While at home, Philippa had the urge to push, and so her mum Nikki, made the all-important call to 999, where she was connected to Emergency Medical Advisor, (EMA), Brandon Wates.
Nikki said: “I often go over it in my head ‘what would have happened if they didn’t get there in time?’ I’m just so glad they did.”
EMA Brandon did his best to calm Nikki, while preparing Philippa to give birth at home. Resource Dispatcher, Lucy Cook coordinated a team of six clinicians, arriving just in time for Albie’s arrival.
Just 20 minutes after the 999 call was made, baby Albie was born not breathing. The team worked together to ventilate and stabilise him, before taking him to Medway Maritime Hospital where he was placed on oxygen.
Philippa added: “I honestly cannot thank the entire team enough for everything they did for our family. This has been such a positive end to a traumatic day.”
At the reunion held at the Medway Make Ready Centre on Friday, 28 March, it was an opportunity of cuddles and thanks as baby Albie had the opportunity to meet some of his lifesavers including EMA, Brandon Wates, Newly Qualified Paramedic, Jamie McKay, Critical Care Paramedic, Lawrence Hayes and Trainee Critical Care Paramedic, Kenny Bell.
Kenny said: “It was a pleasure to reunite with the family and hear about their recovery with little Albie. I was over the moon to reunite in such positive circumstances.”
Brandon said: “It truly made my day to hear that Albie was doing well and it was fantastic to finally meet them in person and enjoy a cuddle with Albie.”