On the evening of Wednesday 5 February 2026, 19-year-old Elli Jordan went into labour at her home while 37 weeks pregnant, despite being scheduled for a planned caesarean a few weeks later.
Within minutes of her partner, Connor Woodward, calling 999, emergency crews from East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) arrived on scene – helping to safely deliver baby Oscar at the top of a narrow staircase in the family home.
The 999 call was answered by Emergency Medical Advisor Skylar Tangara, who provided immediate support to Connor while dispatching the appropriate emergency response.
Skylar said: “Congratulations to Elli and Connor on the safe arrival of their beautiful baby boy.
“Being able to help guide them through Oscar’s arrival over the phone is something I will always remember.
“They both did amazingly well, and I’m so glad I could be there to support them during a special time.”
Connor (Oscar’s dad) added: “The whole team who helped deliver the birth of my son deserve the whole world.
“Elli was really anxious and hadn’t planned for a natural birth because of previous complications, but the crew were outstanding. Without them, I don’t know what would have happened.
“They kept everything calm and reassured from the minute they arrived, to handing over at the hospital.
“What EMAS do, from the control room to the crews on the road, saves lives every day. We can’t thank them enough.”
Earlier that day, Elli had attended hospital after experiencing early signs of labour. After being assessed, she was advised to return home and to monitor her symptoms, as her labour was not yet established. However, her labour progressed rapidly once she was back at home.
Elli said: “I’d been told it could take weeks, so when things started progressing at home, it all happened very quickly.
“I thought my waters had broken, but it was blood, which was really frightening as I knew I was high-risk and due to have a caesarean.
“Within minutes of ringing 999 the ambulances were here, and about 10 minutes later Oscar arrived.
“The crew kept me completely calm. They were reassuring me the whole time and reminding me I could do it, even when I didn’t feel like I could.”
Due to the speed of the labour, ambulance crews began delivering the baby in a confined space on the landing at the top of the stairs, working quickly to manage both Elli’s condition and the safe arrival of her son.
Ambulance technician Stephen Peacock was part of the responding crew.
He said: “We could see straight away that the baby wasn’t going to wait, so we prepared to deliver on scene.
“Everyone quickly fell into role – one clinician supporting mum, others preparing equipment, and myself working with my colleague Zoe to support the delivery.
“I was able to guide and support her through it, and baby Oscar was delivered safely. He cried straight away and was in great condition.”
Following the birth, the crew carefully monitored Elli for complications, including potential bleeding due to her high-risk pregnancy.
Stephen added: “We took some precautions with fluids as there was some uncertainty around blood loss, but thankfully she remained stable.
“What really stood out was the teamwork. It was a very organised response, and we were able to maintain Elli’s dignity despite the challenges of the environment.”
After the birth, Connor was able to cut Oscar’s cord before mother and baby were safely transferred to hospital for further care.
Elli said: “They put Oscar straight on my chest and made sure he was ok, which meant everything.
“The crew then even came to say goodbye at the hospital, which was really lovely.”
Ambulance technician Zoe Spilsbury, who attended her first home birth in person, said:
“I’ve experienced labour myself, but it’s completely different supporting someone through it uniform.
“I previously worked in the EMAS control room and supported a number of labour calls over the phone. In my experience, those situations can feel even more stressful because you’re not there in person.
“That to me reiterates how important our Emergency Medical Advisors are. They do an incredible job and really deserve that recognition.
“With support from my colleagues on scene, it was a great learning experience, and Elli did brilliantly throughout.”
Reflecting on this response, Stephen added:
“We attend very serious incidents every day, but the birth of a child is something really special.
“There’s no feeling like hearing that first cry and seeing the relief on a parent’s face. It was a moment of real pride for the whole team.”
Elli and Connor, who both volunteer as Community First Responders for LIVES, say the experience has given them a new perspective on the service they support.
Elli added: “When we see an ambulance now, we always wonder if it’s them.
“Even though it didn’t go to plan, it’s given me a lot of confidence, and I feel like I could handle a natural birth again in future.”
Elli, Connor, and baby Oscar reunited with the EMAS teams who helped deliver him at a special reunion on Sunday 31 May 2026.