Quick thinking and deft hands helped tackle a tricky situation
Twenty-six-year-old transgender, Malathi, had to
discontinue a course in medical laboratory technology owing to family
problems. But her brief hospital training came in handy on Wednesday as
she, along with two transgender people, helped a woman deliver a baby
onboard a moving train.
Malathi, a resident of
Gudiyatham, along with Sankari (51) and Shymala (50), was travelling in
the Thiruvananthapuram-Guwahati Express when they came across Zarina
Begam (25), who was experiencing labour pain. The trio was travelling
from Jolarpet to Katpadi.
“The woman started to
experience pain when the train had crossed Vaniyambadi. Her husband and
two children were travelling along, and I think the onset of labour was
unexpected for them,” said Malathi. While passengers in the coach were
baffled, some suggested stopping the train by pulling the chain. “But
the train was passing through a forest-like area, and we were sure there
would be no help nearby.
I studied a diploma course
in medical laboratory technology for a year in 2009, and underwent six
months training at a government hospital but had to discontinue due to
family problems. So, I thought I could help the woman,” she added.
The
three transgender people made Zarina lie down and prepared to receive
the baby. Meanwhile, the railway police was informed, and the 108
ambulance was called to the approaching station – Katpadi.
“She
was delivered of a baby boy when the train was crossing Gudiyatham. I
took a blade from a passenger and cut the umbilical cord, and wrapped
the baby with a cloth that another passenger provided,” she added. As
the train chugged into Katpadi station, the 108 ambulance staff received
the mother and child and took them to the Government Vellore Medical
College Hospital at Adukkamparai.
‘Unforgettable experience’
“The
ambulance staff said that we had done everything correctly. Zarina’s
husband was in tears and thanked us. Many passengers appreciated us.
This is an unforgettable experience,” she said.
Malathi is keen to continue her studies, and is planning to enrol in a course soon.
The Government Railway Police, Katpadi, said that the family had boarded the train at Kollam and were travelling to Guwahati.
According
to officials of 108 ambulance network, they received a call about the
delivery at 7.51 a.m. “We deputed the Katpadi ambulance to the station.
The mother informed the staff that she could have delivered the baby
between 7.20 and 7.25 a.m.” an officer.
Zarina Begum started to experience
pain when the
train crossed Vaniyambadi
EmoticonEmoticon