This case study, written by Jonah Osborn, Clinician, was lifted from St John Solomon Island’s Ambulance Activity Report 2023. You can read their report in its entirety here: https://stjohn.org.sb/activity-report
Arriving at work bright and early, I was excited as I knew today marked a significant milestone. The arrival of two new Landcruiser ambulances from Australia promised a boost in our operations, and I was chosen to be the first clinician to work out of one.
As we had just finished our vehicle and equipment checks, the crackle of the radio alerted us to an urgent call from Mbonege Beach, located in the western parts of Guadalcanal. A young woman, only 18years old, was experiencing labour far too early than expected. Without hesitation, we leapt into action, grateful for the sturdiness of the Landcruisers that promised to navigate the challenging Solomon Islands terrain better than our previous Mercedes Sprinters.
Upon arrival at the scene, a crowd had already gathered around the distressed mother-to-be. With practised efficiency, I conducted a thorough assessment, swiftly moving her into the ambulance for more privacy. After ensuring she was stable and didn’t require immediate intervention, we started the journey to the National Referral Hospital. However, the journey was fraught with difficulty as the rugged road conditions exacerbated her labour pains.
As we neared the hospital, urgency hung in the air as the baby’s arrival seemed imminent. With no time to spare, we halted the ambulance and aided in the delivery, facing a tense moment when the newborn initially remained silent. I provided stimulation to the baby and eventually heard a cry, signalling signs of life that brought immediate relief.
In that pivotal moment, as I ensured the stability of both mother and child, the gravity of our work sank in. This marked the first birth in our new ambulance, a testament to the trust put in us by the community and the importance of our role in delivering crucial care where it’s needed most.
Handing over the mother and the newborn to the hospital staff, I couldn’t help but reflect on the privilege of being able to make a difference in people’s lives, even amidst the challenges of remote and rugged landscapes. This experience reaffirmed the important impact of our work and the trust in St John.
You can read the rest of our Annual Report for 2023 here.
