doctors deliver baby in daring helicopter birth
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Check Point
HIGH above the rugged terrain of Matabeleland South, Helidrive National Air Rescue Service doctors performed an extraordinary mid-air delivery, bringing a healthy baby boy into the world from a 13-year-old mother.
The critical airborne birth occurred as the young patient was being airlifted from Maphisa Hospital to the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH), transforming a routine medical transfer into a race against time.
The delicate yet precise procedure began just seven minutes after the helicopter took off, en route to Bulawayo.
The patient, whose name has been withheld, suddenly began experiencing increasingly intense and frequent labour pains, signalling an unforeseen urgency, according to the delivery doctor, Marshall Kahari.
“She was having contractions at one-minute intervals, each lasting about two minutes. The patient was stable, and all vital signs were within the normal range. She was being closely monitored.
“After another strong contraction, we noticed her reaching between her thighs, and realised something had emerged. Upon examination, I saw the baby’s right leg was out — it was a footling breech. I immediately knew the baby had to be delivered,” Dr Kahari recounted.
Dr Kahari said that while on duty last week, they received an emergency flight request from the call centre. It was for the transfer of a patient in labour from Maphisa Hospital to UBH. The details were critical: she was 5 cm dilated, the baby was in a breech presentation, and it was a teenage pregnancy.
“Since we were already on standby for emergencies, we immediately took off from Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, where we were stationed. I was on the mission with ICCN Kelelo Maphala. It took us about 27 minutes to reach Maphisa,” said Dr Kahari.
Upon arrival, they were taken to the labour ward where the patient, in her first pregnancy (Para 0 Gravida 1), was in active labour. The transfer was deemed necessary due to the breech presentation and the crucial unavailability of theatre services at Maphisa.
“The plan was to transfer the patient for a possible caesarean section at UBH. On examination, she was stable but experiencing labour pains. We connected her to monitors. Her vitals were: BP 134/87, pulse 104, SpO2 98–100% on room air, respiratory rate 21. Her level of consciousness was 15/15, and she was well-oriented in time, place, and person. We then transferred her to the helicopter and took off for UBH,” Dr Kahari detailed.
About seven minutes into the flight, the patient’s labour intensified dramatically, prompting Dr Kahari to request the pilots to increase speed.
“The delivery had to be done — but with great care — because footling breech deliveries (a very unfavourable position for vaginal delivery) carry a higher risk of umbilical cord prolapse, foetal hypoxia, and birth injuries, including brachial plexus damage and fractures. These situations require significant experience and precision. There was no time to wait — we had about 20 to 25 minutes before landing at UBH,” he stressed, highlighting the immense pressure.
The patient sustained a minor vaginal tear during the delivery, which was expertly managed in-flight. Cotton was placed between her legs for modesty, and her vital signs remained stable throughout the entire ordeal.
“Upon arrival at UBH, an ambulance transported us to the labour ward. The mother was taken to the delivery room, where the tear was sutured. The baby was placed in a resuscitaire — a large standing device used by midwives and other health care professionals if a baby requires some additional support with its breathing when it is born.
A paediatrician assessed him. The mother was discharged the following day,” said Dr Kahari, describing the successful outcome of their extraordinary mission.
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