Canterbury parents reunite with paramedics following birth of son Otis in the back of ambulance

The parents of a baby born on the roadside in the early hours of the morning have reunited with the paramedics who delivered him.

Louisa Ripley, from Canterbury, had hoped to reach the hospital to give birth - but little Otis made his arrival at 4.44am in the back of an ambulance.

She says she cannot thank the paramedics who help her enough.

On July 17, Louisa had been feeling increasing discomfort as her contractions grew closer together.

At 40 weeks, she called her local hospital but was advised to rest and take a warm bath.

But shortly before 4am the following day, Louisa’s mother-in-law, who is a former midwife, called 999 as her contractions were now just minutes apart.

When it was declared a category 1 emergency, resource dispatchers sent a team of five clinicians to Louisa, who is also mum to Theo, aged two.

Within minutes, paramedics George and Lauren, critical care paramedic, Liz, and emergency care support workers, Jeff and Sam, were by Louisa and partner Joe’s side.

Despite Louisa planning to give birth at hospital, baby Otis had other ideas and was born during the drive from their home to the QEQM Hospital in Margate.

Both mum and baby were healthy and discharged less than 24 hours later.

And just three weeks after welcoming their son in the back of the ambulance, Mr and Mrs Ripley were reunited with the crew who helped deliver their second son.

Speaking at Thanet’s Make Ready Centre, the mum-of-two said: “It was great to have the opportunity to reunite with the team who helped deliver Otis as it was quite hectic on the morning of his delivery.

“We can’t thank them enough.”

The crew enjoyed a cuddle with baby Otis and showing two-year-old Theo around an ambulance, as he was fast asleep when Otis made his arrival.

Paramedic Lauren added: “Although it wasn’t Louisa’s plan, Otis made a lovely arrival into the world in the back of our ambulance.

“Louisa was fantastic and it’s great to see them doing so well after just three weeks.”