Ambulance call handler helps deliver baby on the phone

AN ANGLESEY couple has praised the Welsh Ambulance Service call handler who supported them to deliver their baby daughter at home.

Laura Roberts, 30, and her husband Martin, 37, were about to make their way into Ysbyty Gwynedd after Laura’s contractions began – but baby Lwsi had other ideas.

Laura gave birth in the bathroom of their Gaerwen home with instructions from a quick-thinking ambulance call handler.

Laura said: “Although I was full-term, I didn’t feel any different from the previous day and went about things as usual.

“I had breakfast and went for a shower but at around 8.30am, I began having contractions.

“Everything happened so quickly and within minutes of my waters breaking, I realised that Lwsi’s head was already starting to come out.

“We realised that we weren’t going to be able to travel to hospital and at that point, we called for an ambulance.”

The couple called 999 and were connected to Welsh Ambulance Service call handler William Funston-Jones, based in Llanfairfechan.

Laura’s best friend, Aimee Gibbs was also on hand to help out during the birth after coincidentally popping around to pay a visit.

Laura, who also works for the Trust’s Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service, said: “I was feeling a little scared because I knew Lwsi wasn’t waiting for anyone to arrive – she was coming out there and then.

“It was such a relief to have someone like William on the phone.

“He was so calm and professional and kept talking to me, making sure everything was OK.

“He never stopped giving me instructions and always kept me updated on where the ambulance was.

“Knowing that an ambulance was on its way was very reassuring but having William on the other end of the phone being so supportive and knowledgeable was a huge relief.

“He was fantastic, and I owe him a massive thanks.”

William, 19, of Penmaenmawr said: “I don’t really remember too much about the call, but I do remember trying to keep Laura as calm as possible while talking her and her partner through each step of the birth.

“It was great to hear that all has gone well since the birth and although I was just doing my job, I really do appreciate the kind words from Laura.”

A midwife arrived shortly after Lwsi’s birth and invited paramedic Tavis Wilkie, a colleague of Laura’s who had arrived on scene, to cut the cord.

Mum and baby were doing so well that they did not even need to go into hospital.

During the labour, the couple’s first child, three-year-old Erin was looked after by Laura’s father-in-law, Elwyn, who also kept an eye on Aimee’s children who had come over to visit.

Bethan Jones, Local Safety Champion and Midwife at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “We are always delighted to hear the positive experiences of people that use our service, and it is great that Laura, Martin, Erin and Lwsi were supported by maternity services and remained at home after the birth.

“The pre-arrival advice that women and birthing people receive when ringing 999 is crucial to delivering high-quality care from the time a 999 call is placed.

“The call handler’s role is pivotal in this, and William was a great support to Laura and her family during and after the birth of Lwsi.

“The Trust is continuing to work with maternity and neonatal safety support programmes to ensure clear and consistent approaches to maternity and neonatal safety in the pre-arrival and pre-hospital setting.”

Editor’s Notes

For more information, email Communications Officer Jeff.Prescott@wales.nhs.uk or call Jeff on 07811 748363.