Three Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) paramedics brought life into the world while responding to an incident in Novena, successfully delivering a baby boy in his home.
The happy father, Mr Kean Ho, 39, was so grateful that he tried to send a hamper to the paramedics, which was ultimately rejected as SCDF does not accept gifts.
So, he took to Facebook to pen his gratitude and recount how the paramedics of ambulance AB 113 delivered his second son at their five-room flat in Block 54, Kent Road, last Friday morning.
“I’m really, truly grateful to the paramedics. The hamper didn’t work, so the only way I know to thank them from the bottom of my heart is via social media,” said the minimart operator.
His wife, Madam Keryn Toh, 29, said she felt an intense contraction at around 7.45am which left her paralysed with pain in the living room. Mr Ho quickly called for an ambulance and began pacing worriedly in the carpark.
An SCDF spokesman confirmed it was alerted at around 8.10am.
Mr Ho said: “Minutes of waiting seemed like hours. My younger sister was with my wife and was also on the phone with the operator.”
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When the ambulance arrived, the crew noticed that the mother’s water bag had burst and the baby’s head could be seen, said the spokesman. “The crew immediately proceeded to deliver the baby,” he added.
Mr Ho said he was in a panic at the time, recalling: “They were supposed to take her to hospital but, as it would have been too late, the officer in charge decided to deliver the baby there and then.”
He admitted being doubtful of the paramedics at first as he was unsure if they were trained to deliver a child.
Mr Ho said: “The paramedics were so professional, which calmed us and assured (us) that we were in good hands.”
His son, who is still unnamed, was born at 8.25am, just minutes after the ambulance arrived. Both the mother and the baby were taken to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital by ambulance, the SCDF spokesman said.
Madam Toh, a secretary, said: “I’m very grateful for the smooth and super-fast delivery. The baby and I are both safe and well.”
Both parents are now busy taking care of their newborn son, but want to try and reach out to the paramedics again.
Mr Ho said: “I passed my mobile phone number to one of the paramedics but they have not contacted me yet. I want to thank them properly.”
This article was first published on Apr 12, 2017.
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