In a heart-pounding emergency that unfolded in a Milton Keynes home, an ambulance dispatcher's calm expertise turned a potential crisis into a miraculous moment when she guided a panicked father through delivering his own baby.
The dramatic incident occurred when BBC worker Dan Gower found himself in every expectant parent's nightmare scenario - his wife Sophie going into rapid labour with no time to reach hospital. With contractions coming thick and fast and the baby determined to make an entrance, Dan dialled 999 in desperation.
The Calm Voice in the Chaos
On the other end of the line was South Central Ambulance Service emergency medical dispatcher Chloe Gribble, who immediately recognised the urgency of the situation. Despite the high-pressure circumstances, Chloe's professional training kicked in as she provided clear, step-by-step instructions to the terrified father-to-be.
"I could hear the panic in his voice," Chloe recalled. "But I knew I had to remain calm and focused - they were relying on me to bring their baby safely into the world."
A Race Against Time
With paramedics still minutes away, Chloe talked Dan through the entire delivery process, from preparing towels to supporting the baby's head as it emerged. The tense minutes felt like hours to both the family and the dispatcher, who remained on the line throughout the entire ordeal.
"It was incredibly stressful but Chloe's voice kept me grounded," Dan explained. "She was our lifeline in that terrifying moment."
Happy Ending for All
The story concluded with the safe arrival of baby Orson, weighing a healthy 7lb 4oz. When paramedics finally arrived, they found mother and baby doing well, thanks to Chloe's expert guidance.
The emotional family later visited the ambulance service to personally thank their unexpected midwife, presenting Chloe with gifts including a bottle of champagne and chocolates.
This remarkable incident highlights the incredible work of NHS emergency call handlers, whose quick thinking and calm professionalism often make the difference between tragedy and triumph.
