Firefighter Firdous Seat delivered her nephew on Monday morning.
Image: CoCT
This City of Cape Town firefighter has proven that she not only puts out fires, but also delivers babies.
Firefighter Firdous Seat, stationed at Wynberg Fire Station, welcomed her nephew into the world in a way no one thought possible.
According to Seat, who lives in Maitland, she received a call about giving her brother’s girlfriend a lift to the hospital as she was going into labour during the early hours of Monday.
“My brother’s girlfriend was in labour. We got the call, and they didn’t have any transport. They live in Maitland as well, just down the road from us. They called to ask if we could organise an ambulance for them,” Seat explained.
She said seeing as the mother-to-be was already bleeding, she decided she was going to take her to the hospital herself.
“When we got there (to the house), in my mind I was thinking we’re going to load and go. But she was already crowning, and she didn’t want to let us move her into the car. I told her she can deliver in the car as long as we are on our way,” Seat said.
She then called the control room seeking assistance if anything should go wrong, as the mother-to-be was high-risk.
“They were sending Salt River (firefighters). By the time Salt River got there, I already delivered the baby. A firefighter then just delivered the placenta, checked them out, and they escorted us to Mowbray [hospital],” Seat said.
Mayoral committee member for safety and security, Alderman JP Smith, commended firefighter Seat for bringing new life into this world.
“Our firefighters have a proud track record of bringing newborns into the world, and this case is no different, but all the more sweet and touching, considering the family connection. Well done to Firefighter Seat for remaining calm under pressure, and congratulations to her and her family on the new arrival,” Smith said.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
IOL