Police Officers Help Deliver Baby Benedykt in Back of Car in Ballymena

Two police officers unexpectedly became midwives after being flagged down by a father-to-be in Ballymena at around 3.30am on Friday, 9 October. With no time to reach hospital, they helped deliver baby Benedykt in the back of a car before keeping mother and baby warm until ambulance crews arrived.

Two police officers in Ballymena helped deliver a baby in the back of a car after being flagged down by a father-to-be during the early hours of Friday, 9 October.

The officers were approached at around 3.30am when it became clear there was not enough time for the expectant mother to reach hospital.

Instead, the two constables suddenly found themselves taking on a very different role as they helped safely welcome baby Benedykt into the world.

Ballymena police officers help deliver baby

According to police, the delivery took place in the back of the family’s car.

After Benedykt was born, the officers wrapped the newborn and his mum in a police high-visibility jacket to help keep them warm while waiting for colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to arrive.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service operates emergency services across Northern Ireland, including from its Ballymena Ambulance Station. Northern Ireland Ambulance Service

Mum had reportedly been hoping for a water birth. However, circumstances meant baby Benedykt had very different plans for his arrival.

Most importantly, both mother and baby were reported to be doing well following the unexpected roadside delivery.

Officers return to meet baby Benedykt

The story did not end when the ambulance arrived.

The two police officers later returned to visit Benedykt and his family, where they were able to congratulate his mum and dad and meet his two big brothers.

Police shared the heartwarming story while welcoming their “newest recruit” and praising the officers for adapting quickly to an unusual situation.

The officers serve within the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Mid and East Antrim District, which covers Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and surrounding communities. PSNI Mid and East Antrim District

A very different call for service

Police officers are regularly told to expect the unexpected, although helping deliver a baby is unlikely to appear on many officers’ plans for a night shift.

In this case, the quick response helped ensure mum and baby were cared for until medical professionals arrived.

Thankfully, the family now has quite a story to tell Benedykt about his arrival into the world.

For more news and community stories from the area, visit Northern Ireland Online’s Ballymena page. Latest Ballymena news and local information

What a welcome to the world for baby Benedykt — and certainly a night shift these two officers are unlikely to forget.