Worcester student paramedic helps deliver lecturer’s baby

Chloe HughesWest Midlands

University of Worcester. A medical student with light brown hair tied in a ponytail. She smiles at the baby in her arms. She is wearing a turquoise T-shirt and jacket. It's written on the jacket "university student, paramedic". University of Worcester

The third year paramedic student was on placement at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Paramedic student Eliza Faragher had no idea that during her routine hospital stay she would be helping deliver the baby of someone she knew very well.

The third-year student was at Worcestershire Royal Hospital when her teacher Aaron Collins and his wife Lexi came in to have a planned caesarean section.

Mr. Collins taught Eliza about anatomy, physiology, and everything that happens during childbirth.

“I was confused and shocked when I saw Aaron for the first time that day,” Ms Faragher said.

“I thought he might have come to see me, but I quickly realized that wasn’t what he was there for.

“After baby Luca was checked, I tapped Aaron on the shoulder and asked if he wanted to cut the umbilical cord—not a question a student often asks his professor.”

University of Worcester Two women stand on either side of a man holding a child. On the left is the child's mother with red hair tied back, glasses and a black and white striped top. The man, the child's father, is bald, with red facial hair, wearing a dark blue top with the inscription: "University of Worcester" on this. on the right is a medical student who has light brown hair in a ponytail. she is wearing a turquoise T-shirt and jacket with the University of Worcester logo.University of Worcester

Baby Luca was born thanks to the help of Eliza, who said she was initially shocked to see her teacher Aaron Collins arrive at the hospital.

Mr Collins, who has taught Ms Faragher since her first year, said they got on very well.

“We have a lot of fun and jokes,” she said.

“Aaron is very caring and supportive and he has been there to help me gain confidence over the past few years.”

“Very professional”

After helping with the birth, she went on to help deliver her first child while on the ambulance service.

Mr Collins said it was a “surreal moment” to see her in hospital.

“She was very professional and told us both that we were glad she stayed and we were happy,” he explained.

“She was incredibly good at assisting with the birth in front of her lecturer… the situation may have seemed daunting but she did everything she had to do.”

He added that Luka is feeling very well.

“He's achieving his goals the way he should and he's gaining weight well while giving us lots of laughter and chat; everything a child should do,” he added.

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