Baby born on McGill's service 23 as quick-thinking bus driver assists with emergency delivery

A routine bus journey took an extraordinary turn when a baby was safely delivered onboard McGill’s Service 23 - thanks to the calm and decisive actions of bus driver Pummy.

The incident occurred on Saturday 29th November shortly after a couple boarded the bus at Nelson Street, having purchased tickets to travel to hospital.

Within moments, Pummy heard concerning noises from the rear of the bus and stopped immediately to investigate. She discovered the woman in significant pain and quickly realised the situation was far more serious.

“I heard noises that didn’t sound right, so I stopped the bus,” said Pummy, who was driving the service at the time.

“When I went over, the lady started screaming. I called our traffic control office for attendance and then called an ambulance. While I was on the phone, I realised she was pregnant and in labour and the baby was coming. I helped deliver the baby right there on the bus.
For a few seconds we weren’t sure the baby was okay, then we heard crying, it was such a relief. I placed the baby on the mother’s tummy, used a towel from my bag to keep the baby warm. When the paramedics arrived, I can’t tell you how relieved I was. They said mother and baby were both fine.”

Paramedics later transported the family to hospital, where both mother and child were confirmed to be in good health.

Jamie Reid, Area Director at McGill’s, praised Pummy’s exceptional response under pressure: “Pummy’s actions were nothing short of heroic. To stay calm, act swiftly, and support a family through an emergency birth is remarkable. We are incredibly proud of her, she embodies the very best of McGill’s and the vital role our frontline teams play in the community. This was an extraordinary situation, and thanks to Pummy’s compassion and quick thinking, it had a very happy outcome.”

McGill’s is currently attempting to make contact with the family to pass on their best wishes and congratulations.