Worcester student paramedic helps deliver lecturer’s baby

Paramedic services student Elise Faragher had no idea her routine hospital placement would see her help deliver a very familiar person’s baby.

The third-year student was at Worcestershire Royal Hospital when her teacher, Aaron Collins, and his wife Lexy, came in to have an elective caesarean section.

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

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

“I thought maybe he had come to visit me during my internship, but I quickly realized that’s not what he was there for.

“Once baby Luca was examined, I patted Aaron on the shoulder and asked him if he would like to cut the cord – a student doesn’t get the opportunity to ask their teacher that question very often.”

Mr. Collins, who has taught Ms. Faragher since her first grade, and she said they got along 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.”

Since helping with childbirth, she helped deliver her first baby while on placement in the ambulance service.

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

“She was very professional and checked with both of us that we were happy for her to stay, which she was,” he explained.

“She attended a birth incredibly well with her speaker present…it was a situation that could have seemed intimidating, but she did everything she should have done.”

He added that Luca was doing very well.

“He’s meeting his goals like he should, and he’s gaining weight while giving us lots of giggles and chatter; everything a baby should do,” he added.