A north-east fire crew got more than they bargained for when they were given their first job of the day – delivering a baby girl.
At around 9.10am today, the ambulance service was called to a home in Stonehaven after a woman went into labour.
However, when the ambulance team arrived, the staff realised they were unable to get into the house as the woman could not get to the door to let them in.
At this point, local firefighters were called out to help gain entry.
By the time they got inside, the woman was already in the later stages of labour, with the head of the baby already showing.
It was at this point two of the firefighters – crew manager Gavin Strachan and firefighter Tim Hull – were forced into action to help deliver a baby girl.
A local doctor and nurse arrived at the home soon afterwards and ensured mother and daughter were comfortable.
Both were taken to hospital soon afterwards and the father was subsequently informed.
A spokesman for the fire service said the parents do not wish to be named at this stage.
Members of the fire crew said the experience was a “real eye opener”.
Mr Strachan said: “Myself and firefighter Tim Hull put on our rubber gloves and made sure there were plenty of clean towels.
“We received advice from the ambulance service over the phone and we helped support the baby’s head until the wee one had successfully entered the world.
“We had to check to make sure the baby was breathing properly and that her airways were clear. We were told that if a baby was crying then that was a good sign. I have two children of my own so I had experienced a birth before.”
“This is the first call of this type during my 13 years in the job and I think it was a real eye opener for Tim, who has been in the job for just a couple of years.
“We are just delighted that everything went well and that mum and baby are doing fine. We wish them all the very best in the future. We also contacted the dad to tell him the good news.”