Bombala Station paramedics Sandra Lavender and Jason Wood were called to Bombala Hospital just after midnight on Monday, July 25 to transport 25-year-old Jodie Talbot to Cooma District Hospital. Jodie was already in labour with her third child, following daughters Danika aged four and two-year-old Laila.

While en route to Cooma, with contractions one minute apart, it became evident that they would not make it to hospital.

Paramedics Lavender and Wood decided to turn back to Bombala however it became apparent that delivery was imminent and just a few kilometres north of Bombala on the Monaro Highway paramedic Sandra Lavender pulled over to the side of the road.

A few moments later, little Evie arrived without incident in the back of the ambulance. Mother and baby were then transported to hospital where dad Damien caught up with his new daughter.

Since that morning, paramedics Sandra and Jason have checked in on Jodie and Evie to see how things are going and were recently able to catch up for a media photo call.

“As a paramedic, quite often we wonder what happened after we leave a patient and how they are doing. So I am very grateful whenever there’s an opportunity to reunite with patients again,” Ms Lavender said.

“And a baby delivery is definitely one of the nicer aspects of working as a paramedic. It’s the only time you get to say congratulations at the end,” paramedic Jason Wood said.

Latest figures show that in 2014 NSW Ambulance paramedics and call takers assisted the delivery of more than 300 babies whose mothers went into labour unexpectedly, before they could reach hospital.

Of these, more than 200 babies were delivered with the assistance of NSW Ambulance paramedics and/or call takers; the balance arriving before their mums could even make it to the telephone to dial Triple Zero (000).

“The community can be assured that NSW Ambulance paramedics and call takers are more than able to assist.

Bombala station officer, paramedic Jane Dunne assisted in another roadside delivery in the Bombala area in January this year. 

“Paramedics are trained and highly skilled in guiding women through labour,” she said.

Ms Dunne provided the following advice for those called upon to deliver a baby:

· Dial Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance, then stay on the line with the call taker

· Provide mum with assurance that an ambulance is on its way

· Make sure mum is lying on her back, either on a bed or somewhere else that is comfortable

· Provisions should include dry towels and a blanket in which to wrap the baby, in case it comes before the ambulance arrives. Also, some pillows to place under the mother’s bottom.

· Tell mum to take slow, deep breaths between contractions while continuing to reassure her that help is on its way

· When the baby is delivered, gently wipe its mouth and nose. Dry the baby off with the towel and wrap it in a blanket

· Don’t cut the umbilical cord

· Make sure mum and baby are both warm

· Await arrival of placenta (afterbirth). When it delivers, wrap it in a towel. The doctor will need to examine it to make sure it’s all out.