Security officer delivers baby on London pavement
A London-based security officer stepped in as emergency midwife to help a young mother who started giving birth on her way to the Royal London Hospital.
On Sunday 13 September Abdul Munim Khan, 29, of Shadwell, was on his way to work in the City of London when he noticed a woman standing on the pavement in distress. Abdul saw that nobody was stopping to help her and went over to check if she was okay.
The woman told Abdul she was giving birth but wasn’t sure she could make it to the hospital in time. He immediately called an ambulance and was told it would take them up to 20 minutes to arrive.
Abdul, who has been a security officer at 52 Lime Street (The Scapel, skyscaper building) for two and a half years, stayed on the phone to the paramedics. They gave him instructions as to how to help the woman safely deliver her baby. Without hesitation Abdul pulled up his work shirt sleeves and delivered the baby on the pavement with the help of another passer-by.
When the ambulance arrived, the paramedics cut the umbilical cord and took the woman and her baby to hospital. Before they left, both the woman who had given birth and the paramedics thanked Abdul for his heroic and selfless action.
After this Abdul headed to work and arrived on time to do his 12-hour shift. He works for Axis Security Services Limited, an SIA approved contractor.
When we spoke to Abdul he said:
When I think back on what happened, I can’t believe it. I’ve never experienced anything like that before. She was maybe 10 minutes from the Royal London Hospital - I’m glad I was there to help her.
What was amazing is that when I had finished my shift and was heading home, I saw her just outside the hospital. She called me over and thanked me again – but what was really special is that I was able to meet the baby I had delivered. I also got a short video clip of the mum and her new-born.
Ian Todd, our Chief Executive, said:
It’s important to remember that many in the security industry are working as critical and key workers during this emergency. Abdul’s story is testament to the fact that despite the challenges, many operatives and businesses are going the extra mile to serve their communities.
We are promoting the industry’s dedication and commitment through the #SIAHeroes campaign. It is sharing inspiring stories of security operatives who are keeping the public safe and secure at this critical time.
Further information:
- The Security Industry Authority is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the United Kingdom, reporting to the Home Secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. Our main duties are: the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities; and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme.
- For further information about the Security Industry Authority or to sign up for email updates visit www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk. The SIA is also on Facebook (Security Industry Authority) and Twitter (SIAuk).