A crew of seven firefighters ensured the safe delivery of a healthy baby boy on Thursday morning 24 July.
Around 05:00, an expectant mother arrived at the Ottery Fire Station complaining of abdominal pains.
The second-time mother informed the crew on duty that her baby was due on Friday 25 July and that she was going to give birth at Hanover Park Day Hospital.
However, it soon became apparent the crew would have to work together for an unexpected delivery early that morning.
Proud mom with her newborn son Lagen after her boy was delivered at Ottery Fire Station. The firefighters who assisted are: Firefighter Steve Africa, Senior Firefighter Chad Sias, Platoon Commander Amesha Bachan, Firefighter Wade Mohamed, Junior Firefighter Bagcine Mngqolo, Senior Firefighters Valentino Rasper and Ivor Parenzee. 
Newborn baby Lagen holds on to the finger of Platoon Commander Amesha Bachan. Photos: supplied
“That morning we were alerted by our watch-room attendant that a young lady had come to the station and she was full-term pregnant and suffering severe abdominal pains. Immediately then all our staff rushed to our trauma room where I could provide an initial assessment of the patient and found that the woman was full-term pregnant at 38 weeks and fully dilated,” recalled Amesha Bachan, platoon commander at Ottery Fire Station. The mother was experiencing contractions and her water had broken three hours earlier, she added.
After Bachan completed her initial medical assessment it was clear that the child’s birth was imminent.
The crew monitored the woman and tracked the waiting time for the baby’s arrival. “During the labour process we had two staff members who had never helped deliver a baby before. I then decided that junior firefighter Chad Siya would be my main assistant because he and his wife are expecting their third baby,” she said.
Bachan says the entire delivery was completed within an hour.
“We have the necessary medical equipment to prepare for the delivery of babies. However, these instruments are very basic, but we are medically trained on various levels,” she said.
When asked if there were any nerve-wracking moments the crew experienced throughout the delivery, Bachan said: “There weren’t any major issues, but if there were, any pregnancy complications we would not have been able to assist as we are not equipped for that. We are trained for those measures but we are a fire station, so we would not have all the necessary tools.”
Bachan is also a trained and qualified intermediate life support medic for the past 11 years and sports 17 years in the fire service.
The delivery of baby Lagan became Bachan’s 40th delivery so far.
“My advice for anyone doing an emergency delivery is to always have your ID with you, your hospital card and always have your bag and baby’s bag packed and ready. If you think you’re in labour make sure that you bring those items along with you and instead of coming to the fire station rather rush to the nearest hospital in case there are any complications as their staff are better equipped for such incidents,” she said.
Lagen and his mom were transported by ambulance to a nearby medical facility for further treatment and observation.
While the City’s firefighters are trained to handle emergencies, the role of midwife doesn’t happen often, said Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith.
“The firefighters didn’t hesitate to help little Lagen into the world safely and their quick reaction ensured both mom and baby are doing well. I am glad our residents know where to go in an emergency and it is heartwarming to see our staff step up to the plate every time. Everything went well and there were no complications, in no small part because of the role our firefighters played. Congratulations to the firefighters for their cool heads and swift response. They will remember this morning with pride and we wish the mom and her new son all the best,” Smith said.
People’s Post tried reaching the mother for comment but could not include her response before going to print.
