Miracle on the Road: Baby Delivered by Firefighters in Dramatic Car Birth

A Falmouth couple, Alice Hearle and Josh Beardmore, recently experienced a dramatic and unforgettable event as their second child, Olive, was born in the back of their car. The couple has now reunited with the firefighters who assisted in the impromptu delivery, expressing immense gratitude for their help.

A Routine Check-Up Turns Eventful

The story began when Alice’s waters broke a few days before her due date. Following a check-up at Royal Cornwall Hospital (Treliske), the couple was reassured that everything was fine and sent home. They were scheduled for an induction at 4 pm the next day. Alice, a mobile hairdresser, recounted, “Everything was fine so we came home to get some rest.”

The following morning seemed uneventful with only mild, sporadic contractions. Josh and Alice, being relaxed with the experience of their first child, took a walk along the seafront and enjoyed some grilled cheese. However, the situation quickly escalated after Alice made a call to the midwives around 1 pm, which confirmed their plan to head to the hospital later.

Rapid Labour and Quick Thinking

Just minutes after the call, Alice’s labour intensified dramatically. “Five minutes after I got off the phone with her, I had this secondary water break,” she said. With contractions every minute, the couple realized they wouldn’t make it to the hospital in time.

Josh, an RNLI lifeboat volunteer, swiftly decided to head towards the Cockwells fire, knowing firefighters would be present there. Upon arrival, he flagged down the crew, saying, “I think I need a bit of a hand here, my Mrs is having a baby.”

Firefighters Spring Into Action

The Falmouth Blue Watch and Fire Investigation teams, who were wrapping up a fire scene, immediately responded. The firefighters moved a fire engine to block the view from the road while firefighter Katie Hoskins managed the delivery, assisted by Rosie Tonkin, who stayed on the phone with the ambulance service. Alice remarked, “If they were nervous, they didn’t show it at all. They were so comforting and took control of the situation.”

Baby Olive’s Memorable Arrival

In a series of quick pushes, Baby Olive was born safely at 2.36 pm on Thursday, May 16. Reflecting on the birth, Alice said, “I actually feel really proud and positive about the birth.”

Heartfelt Reunion and Gratitude

A few weeks later, Alice and Josh returned with newborn Olive and their two-year-old son, Teddy, to thank the firefighters. Alice expressed her gratitude, highlighting the crew’s calm and supportive actions. “I wanted to say thank you to them for being so calm and jumping in like they did. Little things like that mean a lot,” she said.

Kath Billing, Chief Fire Officer at Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, praised the firefighters’ efforts, stating, “Every day our crews go above and beyond to serve the people of Cornwall. I am so pleased that Olive arrived safely and I am immensely proud of the crews that helped with her delivery.”

This extraordinary story of quick thinking and community support is one the Beardmore family will cherish forever.