Indigenous 
Written by SLC Communications
Two Paramedic students experienced remarkable moments during just the second day of their final preceptorships, each responding to calls that resulted in the safe arrival of a newborn.
Student Alyssa Haggerty and her preceptor were dispatched to a planned home birth in Ottawa, where midwives requested paramedic support due to concerns for the baby. Alyssa was present for the delivery of a healthy newborn and assisted with post‑delivery care for the mother, putting her training into practice in a calm and collaborative setting.
The following day, also in Ottawa, student Morgan Kirkpatrick and her preceptor responded to a call where a woman was moments away from delivering her fifth child. After the healthy baby was born, Morgan and her preceptor quickly established a care station to provide immediate aftercare for the newborn. Their professionalism caught the attention of local media, and the pair were later featured on CBC Radio to share their experience.
Many paramedics go an entire career without ever attending a delivery, making these early experiences especially meaningful. Both students described the events as exhilarating and affirming, further confirming their choice to enter the profession. They credited their preparedness to the comprehensive training received throughout their program, particularly instruction on childbirth from their faculty, Karrie Loynachan.
“In a career where the focus is often treating illness and injuries to maintain life, the opportunity to be present and support the welcoming of a new life is monumental. To have this experience as a student is even more exciting,” Karrie said. “We are so proud of these students, their consistent practice and hard work throughout the program to ensure they were prepared to assist in these calls (and others!) in a positive, beneficial and professional manner.”
Alyssa and Morgan graduate this spring and are currently in the recruitment process for the Ottawa Paramedic Service. Their compassion, confidence, and skill already shine through, and they are poised to make meaningful contributions in their careers—and continue making SLC proud.