A ROUTINE hospital placement turned into a once-in-a-lifetime moment for a Worcester University student, who helped deliver her lecturer’s baby.
Paramedic sciences student Elise Faragher was on placement on the maternity ward at Worcestershire Royal Hospital on the day that her lecturer Aaron Collins and his wife Lexy, who is a nurse, were due to have an elective c-section.
Aaron said: “As we arrived at the hospital we were met by Elise. She was very professional and checked with us both that we were happy for her to stay, which we were.
“It was a very surreal moment for us. I’ve taught Elise anatomy and physiology, and all about what happens during childbirth. She did incredibly well assisting in a birth with her lecturer present. It’s a situation that could have felt daunting but she did everything she should have done.”
Paramedic students at Worcester University gain experience beyond ambulance services, with placements in settings such as nursing homes, emergency departments, primary care, and maternity wards. This helps broaden their skills and understanding of diverse patient needs and healthcare environments.
Elise continued: “I was confused and shocked when I first saw Aaron on the day. I thought he might have come to visit me on placement, but I quickly realised that wasn’t what he was there for.
“Once baby Luca had been checked, I tapped Aaron on the shoulder and asked if he’d like to cut the cord; a student doesn’t get to ask their lecturer that question very often.
“Luca was very cute. He was holding onto my finger.”
Since helping with the safe delivery of baby Luca, Elise has gone on to help deliver her first baby while out on placement with the ambulance service.
Aaron added: “Being a paramedic you do get involved in many births. I delivered six babies in my first year after qualifying.
“Luca is doing really well now. He’s hitting his milestones just as he should be, and he’s putting on weight nicely while giving us lots of laughs and babbles; everything a baby should be doing.”
