An obstetric ambulance crew of the Free State Department of Health has saved two lives. The crew helped a 28-year-old woman give birth safely in their vehicle whilst en route to the Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein.
According to the Department of Health, this happened in the early hours yesterday – Thursday (30/03).
Mondli Mvambi, spokesperson of the department, said the woman reportedly went into labour after the crew fetched her from the Gelukdeel farm outside Bloemfontein. He said the woman and her baby were safely transported to hospital. Both were admitted to the Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital for further treatment.
Mvambi said Mathabo Leeto, the Free State MEC for Health, has expressed great appreciation for the obstetric crew’s role in preventing a possible maternal death as well as demonstrating the ability to respond to an emergency. He said upon hearing the good news of the birth classified as a born before arrival (BBA), Leeto also sent well wishes to the mother.
Obstetric ambulances are special dedicated ambulances with all the necessary equipment to supply quality treatment and care to both mother and child.
Mvambi said according to information received, the woman gave birth to her eighth child.
“This ecstatic mother has previously given birth using Free State public health facilities,” he said.
According to Mvambi, the unidentified woman called an ambulance instead of seeking help from people in the neighbourhood.
“I called an ambulance as soon as I felt the signs that the child might be ready to see the light, and they responded on time,” she said.
Mvambi said the woman told officials of the department that valuable information received during the department of education’s awareness campaigns on health services made it possible to call emergency services.
