Springvale paramedics James Bailey and Cecilia Wilmot Griffiths overcame the challenges of a roadside birth and say it is one of the most memorable jobs of their careers.By Shaun Inguanzo
A ROUTINE nightshift became a memorable moment for two Springvale paramedics called to a roadside birth last week.
Metropolitan Ambulance Service paramedics Cecilia Wilmot Griffiths and James Bailey said they rushed to their ambulance when the call came through at 2.20am on Monday, 7 August.
Ms Wilmot Griffiths said it took the pair just four minutes to arrive at Westall Road where a couple on their way to hospital had been forced to pull over when the mother started giving birth.
“When we were dispatched and hopped in the ambulance we had an update come through that said the baby’s head was on view,” she said.
“One minute into our travel we had another update saying the baby was delivered.”
Mr Bailey had just completed a hospital placement where he saw plenty of new-borns.
But he admitted nothing compared to the roadside experience.
“When we got there the look on the dad’s face was priceless,” he said.
“He was relieved to see us there.”
Mr Bailey said the paramedics’ main concern was ensuring the ambulance was warm enough to transport the new-born girl and her mother to hospital.
He said the ambulance’s heaters were turned up “full bore” during the four-minute trip.
And after a 10-minute stay on Westall Road that included cutting the umbilical cord and checking that mum was alright, it was off to Cabrini Hospital.
“It was a fantastic experience,” Ms Wilmot Griffiths said.
“It was just the best feeling, I had a big smile on my face for a while after it.”
Mr Bailey described it as “one of the best jobs I’ve ever done”.
“Normally, people are in distress, whereas this was a good result all around.”
Ms Wilmot Griffiths has been a paramedic at the Springvale branch for two and a half years.
Mr Bailey said he arrived just one month ago from Seaford.
