All in a day's work: Firefighters deliver baby at Cape Town station
According to the City of Cape Town, on 24 July, around 05:30 in the morning, a woman walked into the Ottery fire station experiencing abdominal pains.
Little did these Cape Town firefighters know, their day was about to get a whole lot more interesting.
The woman, who appeared to be an expectant mother, explained that she was due to give birth the next day (25 July) at Hanover Park Day Hospital, but felt her baby was coming early.
The on-duty team, led by Platoon Commander Amesha Bachan, a qualified ambulance emergency assistant, sprang into action.
Within an hour, at around 06:25, they successfully delivered a healthy baby boy named Lagen. Newborn baby Lagen holds on to the finger of Platoon Commander Amesha Bachan. Image: City of Cape Town
Both mother and child were later transported by ambulance to a nearby medical facility for further care and observation.
'Firefighters didn't hesitate to help little Lagen into the world safely and their quick reaction ensured both mom and baby are doing well. While our firefighters are trained to handle emergencies, the role of midwife doesn't happen often.' said Alderman JP Smith, the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security.
'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.' Smith added.
Smith praised firefighters for their composure and swift actions, adding, 'They will remember this morning with pride. We wish the mom and her newborn all the best.'
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