Katherine mum Ali Chapman was two weeks away from due date with her second baby before the swift and surprising arrival of her son Archer in the back of a CareFlight ambulance.

With a pre-diagnosed kidney condition requiring specialist care at birth, clinicians at Katherine Hospital moved quickly to arrange a CareFlight aeromedical transfer for the 38-week pregnant Ali to Royal Darwin Hospital, where she had planned to give birth.

But as the aircraft approached Darwin labour progressed rapidly, and baby Archer was delivered shortly after touchdown in the back of the ambulance.

“I was only 2 cm dilated when I got to Katherine Hospital, so they thought I’d make it to Darwin in time,” Ali said.

“But once we were in the air, everything changed and my contractions ramped up quickly.”

On board the CareFlight plane, flight nurse and qualified midwife Courtney supported Ali throughout the journey.

“She helped me move to a bigger bed and stayed with me the whole time,” Ali said.

“She held my hand and helped me breathe through every contraction.

“I remember saying ‘I can’t do it’, and Courtney just kept encouraging me.

“She never left my side.”

After landing, Ali was unable to walk and was transferred directly into a waiting ambulance for the final leg to hospital, but during this short road transfer, labour progressed and Archer was born en route with the membranes still intact.

Archer was taken to the neonatal intensive care unit and was later diagnosed with Down syndrome.

He received treatment for jaundice and other complications and spent nearly a month in hospital before being discharged home.

“If we’d had to drive three hours to Darwin, I don’t know what would’ve happened,” Ali said.

“There were complications straight after birth, and he needed urgent care so we’re lucky CareFlight was there.

“His arrival might have been dramatic, but he was meant for us.”

Courtney, who supported the birth from mid-air to ambulance, said preparation and teamwork were key.

“We always prepare for the unexpected,” she said.

“My focus was on keeping mum safe, calm and supported.

“She was incredibly strong and composed and it was a privilege to be part of Archer’s arrival.”

 

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