Epping firefighter delivers baby
An Epping firefighter has credited her training for preparing her for helping to deliver a stranger's baby.
Jennifer Adelle, an on-call firefighter at Epping Fire Station, was on her way home from her primary role as a masseuse earlier this month when she was flagged down by a neighbour.
Moments later she was in a stranger's front room helping to deliver a baby.
Jennifer said: "My neighbour knows I am a firefighter, so she asked me for help when she saw me. She asked me to get into her car and took me to the home nearby.
"The lady was on the floor pushing and the first thing I said was: “Don't push". When I got closer I could see the baby's head, so I told her to push when she was having a contraction.
"Thankfully it was a very quick delivery and the baby cried straight away, which was a good sign. I had him in my arms for 10 minutes or so before the paramedics arrived.
“After the paramedic came in, I made sure everyone was OK and left; I was covered in blood and needed to get cleaned up.”
Jennifer, who has been an on-call firefighter at Epping for a year, said: "It was scary but exciting at the same time. My fire service training, including my Casualty Care course, prepared me well.
“I was present during my sister-in-law's labour a month ago, so that was very lucky.” Jennifer saw the mum and baby on Epping High Street last week. She said: “The mum waved and said thank you; it was good to see they were well.
“I'm always grateful for my team's support and guidance, they help me every day to feel more confident.”
Crew Manager Tony Wakelin said: "Well done to Jennifer for staying so calm in a very pressured situation. Bringing a new life into the world is extraordinary and very few people will ever get the opportunity; I’m glad she put her training into practice.
“This demonstrates that being an on-call firefighter is not a 9 to 5 job, you are always ready to help your community.”
Station Manager Scott Ford said: “I am very proud of Jennifer, what she did was truly remarkable and shows how our firefighters are there for our communities.”
Epping Fire Station, along with many other on-call fire stations across Essex, is recruiting on-call firefighters. To find out more and apply search Join Essex Fire.