Ottawa ambulance communications officer honoured for over-the-phone birthing assistance

An Ottawa ambulance communications officer has received a special honour after coaching a local couple through the birth of their child.

Paramedics were notified by Ottawa police shortly after 8 a.m on April 28, that there was a woman at home in need of birthing assistance, as she was experiencing frequent contractions and signs of delivery were imminent.

Kayla Delangis remained on the phone with the woman while paramedics were en route to her home, providing the woman with delivery instructions. Officials say a healthy baby boy was born within minutes, with his father's assistance.

Delangis asked the family to describe the baby's colouring and breathing to her, so she could assess the newborn until a strong cry was heard. The communications officer then told the father to keep the baby warm until paramedics arrived, by placing him on his mother’s chest.

Once the medics arrived, they transported the mother and baby to their intended birthing hospital.

Superintendent of the Ottawa Paramedic Service, Dustin Spence awarded Delangis with a stork pin to commemorate her hard work during this event.

The Ottawa paramedics team would like to send their congratulations to both parents on their newest addition to their family.