A team of firefighters had a call out with a difference, when they helped to deliver a baby girl.
Crews were called to the property in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, yesterday morning (wed) after the ambulance service received a report of a woman in labour who was unable to get to the door.
They arrived to find the baby's head was already showing, and with the ambulance still on its way, crew manager Gavin Strachan and firefighter Tim Hull, 19, promptly helped out. Three other firefighters were on standby.
The local doctor and nurse, who were contacted by the ambulance service, arrived shortly after the child was born.
The mother and daughter were taken to hospital by ambulance and are said to be doing well.
Mr Strachan, 31, said: "We identified the key holder and got inside. Matthew went in and came back and told us the occupant was in the bathroom and that the baby's head was already showing.
"Myself and firefighter Tim Hull put on our rubber gloves and made sure there were plenty of clean towels.
"We received advice from the ambulance service over the phone and we helped support the baby's head until the wee one had successfully entered the world.
"We had to check to make sure the baby was breathing properly and that her airways were clear.
"We were told that if a baby was crying then that was a good sign. I have two children of my own, so I had experienced a birth before."
He added: "This is the first call of this type during my 13 years in the job and I think it was a real eye opener for Tim, who has been in the job two years."
David Rout, senior officer for Aberdeenshire and Moray, praised his crews, saying: "Our staff never cease to amaze us with their professionalism and approach to emergency calls they attend."
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