A Victoria Police officer's day took an unexpected turn when they had to assist a woman give birth on a downtown street.
Working at a local event, the officer was alerted to the medical emergency on Wharf Street Sept. 20, around 5:30 p.m. A passerby said a woman was in labour and needed immediate assistance.
The officer located the woman in active labour and immediately provided support, working alongside members of St. John Ambulance to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.
The newborn was delivered before paramedics could arrive on scene and appeared to be healthy while cared for by the officer and volunteers, says VicPD.
“It was a truly remarkable scene,” said Const. Mandeep Sohi in a news release. “One minute you’re ensuring public safety at an event, and the next you’re assisting in bringing a new life into the world. It’s moments like these that remind us why we do this job, it’s incredibly humbling and rewarding.”
“This was a challenging situation requiring a rapid response and compassionate care,” added VicPD Staff Sgt. Shawn Robson, Community Services Division.
“We commend the quick actions of the public who assisted, and the professionalism of all first responders involved. Our priority was the health and well-being of the mother and her baby."
The identity of the new mother and her child has not been shared. VicPD said it will be respecting the family’s privacy and will not be releasing further details at this time.
