Coastguards became midwifes today when a baby was born in a SAR chopper!
At 4.30am, a doctor on Unst called Shetland Coastguard to ascertain the times of the ferries to the main Island. This was because he was dealing with a woman in labour. After the doctor had spoken with the Scottish ambulance service, ARCC Kinloss tasked the Coastguard Search and Rescue Helicopter Rescue 102.

The helicopter was airborne at 5.40am and landed on Unst, which is Britain’s most northerly Island. They landed at 6am, and took on board the expectant mother and father. The baby could not wait and was delivered at 6.30am at 1,000ft above a place called Lunna Holm.

The baby was delivered by the winchman paramedic called Marcus Wigfull assisted by Friedie Manson, the winch operator/paramedic.

The baby is a boy, weighing in at just over 7lbs.

The helicopter landed at Lerwick hospital at 6.40am where family were transferred into the care of medical staff.

Alex Dodge, Watch Manager at Shetland Coastguard, said:

‘This is the first time that a baby has been delivered on the Coastguard Search and Rescue Helicopter based at Sumburgh in the Shetland Islands.

We would like to congratulate the mother and father on the birth of their son, who is reported to be doing well.’

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