Trainee firefighter helps deliver baby in car park

A trainee firefighter helped deliver a baby boy in a Birmingham hospital car park after a routine call-out turned into an emergency.

Lewis Smith, part of West Midlands Fire Service, had just responded to what was later confirmed as a false alarm at Birmingham Women's Hospital when he said a frantic father ran towards him, shouting that his wife was about to give birth.

Dad-to-be Dan Hyams had driven his wife Emily to the hospital from their home in Kings Heath but did not make it inside in time.

"By the time I had run to get the parking ticket and got back, Emily was already walking towards the entrance," Hyams said.

"About 15m (49ft) from reception, she stopped and said the baby was coming."

Hyams rushed inside to ask for help and the firefighters ran back out to the car park, where Emily was in advanced labour.

As he began delivering the baby, Smith helped support the baby to make sure he did not fall to the ground.

A doctor then arrived moments later and took over, before the new dad cut the umbilical cord.

"It was not quite the birth we had planned," Hyams said.

"But we are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped, especially Lewis. It is a moment we will never forget."

Smith said the experience showed how unpredictable the job can be.

"In a short time I have learned how varied this role really is," he said.

"We are just happy we could help the parents and their new arrival. It is definitely a call out I will remember forever."

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.