Welcome to the world, little Lya
It’s business as usual for the Air Zermatt rescue crew – until, that is, the miracle of life enters the scene. Today’s blog post tells the story of how an unexpected call out turned into an unforgettable experience: a flight, a birth and a day to remember. But first things first – let’s start at the beginning...
An unusual mission report
It’s just after half past twelve. The rescue crew is sitting around the table at the base in Gampel and has just started to eat lunch when the alarm is sounded.
According to the announcement that accompanies the alarm, a pregnant woman is about to give birth, with contractions coming every two minutes.
They all jump to their feet, and prepare for the mission at hand. A call like this is anything but an everyday occurrence, and definitely one to get them all revved up.
A few minutes later, the Bell 429 rescue helicopter is airborne and heading for Fiesch. During the almost 10-minute flight, the crew discusses the various possible scenarios that might be awaiting them at the scene. Is this a full-term pregnancy? What if the baby is premature? Should we call out another helicopter? And what’s the plan if the baby comes before we even reach the hospital? These and other scenarios are addressed in the few minutes it takes to reach the mother-to-be, so that everyone is prepared for every eventuality.
During the flight, the crew learns that a team from the Upper Valais Ambulance Service is already on site with an ambulance. Just ten minutes later, the rescue helicopter lands in a field just off Furkastrasse, shortly before the mother-to-be arrives in the ambulance with its siren and flashing lights.
From the ambulance to the helicopter
The paramedic accompanying her passes on all the important information to the Air Zermatt rescue crew. Hearing that the mother’s due date is very close and this is no premature birth is already a big relief. But with the contractions getting closer together, it’s really time to get a move on.
Before transferring the mother from the ambulance to the helicopter, the paramedic places an intravenous catheter in her forearm so that medication can be administered quickly if necessary.
Everything is ready for the onward journey by helicopter, but then things take a different turn. Just as the team is about to move the mother from the ambulance she calls out: “The baby’s coming!” And then it’s all systems go!
Firstly, things turn out differently and secondly, than you think
Just a minute later and little Lya has already entered the world – her lungs fill with air and her first cries can be heard. Once the umbilical cord has been cut, the newborn is wrapped in warm blankets and given a small hat to keep her warm. The paramedic lovingly cares for the baby while the emergency doctor looks after the mother. Both mother and baby are fine, and all of the staff on the scene can breathe a sigh of relief.
After a calm flight in the bright sunshine, the rescue helicopter lands on the roof of the hospital in Visp. Busy with the process of taking her first drink of milk, Lya herself doesn’t really notice much of the scenic flight. Perhaps at least Mom gets to enjoy the view.
A lovely and unforgettable experience for all involved!
(Click on the pictures below to go to the picture gallery).
