A dedicated firefighter from Epping has credited her training for equipping her to assist in the delivery of a stranger’s baby.
Jennifer Adelle, an on-call firefighter at Epping Fire Station, was on her way home from her primary role as a masseuse earlier this month when she was approached by a neighbor seeking help.
Moments later, Jennifer found herself in a stranger’s front room, providing crucial assistance in delivering the baby.
“My neighbor knows I am a firefighter, so she asked me for help when she saw me. She asked me to get into her car and took me to the nearby home.
“The lady was on the floor pushing, and the first thing I said was: ‘Don’t push.’ When I got closer, I could see the baby’s head, so I told her to push when she was having a contraction.
“Thankfully, it was a very quick delivery, and the baby cried straight away, which was a good sign. I had him in my arms for 10 minutes or so before the paramedics arrived.
“After the paramedic came in, I made sure everyone was OK and left; I was covered in blood and needed to get cleaned up.”
Jennifer, who has served as an on-call firefighter at Epping for a year, highlighted the importance of her training, including her Casualty Care course, in preparing her for the unexpected situation.
“It was scary but exciting at the same time. My fire service training, including my Casualty Care course, prepared me well. I was present during my sister-in-law’s labor a month ago, so that was very lucky,” she added.
Jennifer later saw the mother and baby on Epping High Street, where she received gratitude from the mother.
“The mum waved and said thank you; it was good to see they were well. I’m always grateful for my team’s support and guidance; they help me every day to feel more confident.”
Crew Manager Tony Wakelin commended Jennifer for her composure in a highly pressured situation and emphasized the dedication of on-call firefighters to their communities.
“Well done to Jennifer for staying so calm in a very pressured situation. Bringing a new life into the world is extraordinary, and very few people will ever get the opportunity; I’m glad she put her training into practice. This demonstrates that being an on-call firefighter is not a 9 to 5 job, you are always ready to help your community.”
Station Manager Scott Ford expressed his pride in Jennifer’s remarkable actions, highlighting the role of firefighters in supporting their communities.
“I am very proud of Jennifer; what she did was truly remarkable and shows how our firefighters are there for our communities.”
Epping Fire Station, along with many other on-call fire stations across Essex, is actively recruiting on-call firefighters to continue serving and helping their communities.
To find out more and apply, search “Join Essex Fire.”
Source : Essex County Fire & Rescue
