Parents full of praise for paramedics who helped save their baby
Hannah Shroot • Published 29 Aug 2012 07:30
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Steve Kurtz, mother Kerry Wallis with Lara Mae and her father, Neil Flynn, and Ben Terry
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QUICK-THINKING paramedics have been praised for stepping in to deliver a baby girl who was in serious danger.
When Kerry Wallis went into labour at her Windsor home, South Central Ambulance Service clinical mentor Steve Kurtz and newly qualified paramedic Ben Terry were first on the scene, while the midwife was stuck 40 minutes away in traffic.
Mr Kurtz, who was forced to deliver baby Lara Mae on Wednesday, August 15 after it became clear she was in danger, said: "It quickly became apparent to us that the baby was experiencing serious problems.
"The baby's head was born, but the shoulders were stuck and the baby was turning purple."
The paramedics realised this was a form of obstructive labour known as Shoulder Dystocia, which occurs in less than 1% of births and could have become a critical emergency.
Mr Kurtz was able to manoeuvre the baby's shoulder, and Lara Mae was born at 4.40pm,
Mr Terry rubbed her with a dry towel to stimulate her breathing, and Kerry's partner Neil Flynn, 37, cut the baby's umbilical cord before she was transferred to hospital.
SCAS Clinical Mentor Steve Kurtz said: 'This was by far the most difficult birth I have been involved with.
"Ben and I are delighted that we were able to help Kerry and Neil with the birth of their beautiful baby girl."
Ms Wallis, 31, said: "Steve did all the right things at the right time and, in spite of her ordeal, baby Lara Mae was born unharmed in any way.
"Steve's wife and children must be very proud of him. We hope he keeps on doing what he's doing for many years as the world needs people like him."
Lara Mae is now safely back home with her parents and two-year-old sister, Jessica Flynn.
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