Baby Brooklyn’s dramatic arrival
October 30, 2023in Community News
Ambulance Victoria Director Regional and Clinical Operations Michael Georgiou never expected a mid-week catch up with a mate would lead to one of the most intense nights of his career.
Michael was travelling to Gisborne when he received a priority zero alert for an imminent birth nearby.
He didn’t hesitate to respond, arriving at Sarah and Matt Spinner’s Riddells Creek home moments after their baby boy Brooklyn had arrived.
Despite assisting with five births over his 15-year career, Mr Georgiou said Brooklyn’s was the most intense.
“The parents were understandably panicked as the baby wasn’t making a lot of noise and he wasn’t the best colour that I’d like to see,” Michael said.
“Thankfully with some gentle stimulus and oxygen, he came around.”
Michael provided care for Brooklyn and mum Sarah who had suffered blood loss, until an emergency ambulance arrived.
A team of six paramedics treated the mother and son before they were taken to Sunshine Hospital.
Father Matt Spinner praised Mr Georgiou’s response.
“When he (Brooklyn) came out, he wasn’t screaming. He wasn’t lifeless but he also wasn’t doing anything,” Matt said.
“There was this thought in my head… I was just praying someone was going to walk through the door. Then Michael came in.”
Five days on from the dramatic arrival, the family was delighted to re-introduce Brooklyn to some of the first responders.
Sarah said the paramedics had been calm and reassuring in a highly stressful situation.
“The paramedics worked really professionally, I was really impressed with that,” Sarah said.
“We felt safe with them there.”