In March of 2020, Brady-Lynn Stewart was preparing for the birth of her first child. The month had already been difficult for Stewart and her partner, Dan. The COVID-19 pandemic had begun, which forced Stewart to work from home. The last thing Stewart expected months into the pandemic would be transported not once, but two transports with Ornge to save her and the life of her baby.

When Stewart was 28 weeks pregnant, she woke up one morning in a pool of blood. She and Dan rushed to Pembroke Regional Hospital, where the on-staff OB was unable to identify what was causing the bleeding, but said everything was looking fine. Three weeks later, the bleeding returned, and this time, Stewart was set to be transported by Ornge to Ottawa Civic Hospital. This was her first transport with Ornge.

“The first one, I was definitely more scared, but once I was in the helicopter, I think I felt a little better,” said Stewart. “The Ornge paramedics just kept asking me if I was comfortable, if I wanted to be propped up, if I wanted to see out of the window. They were really catering to my needs, which I really appreciated.”   

Due to COVID restrictions, Stewart’s partner was not able to fly with her. However, just like before, Stewart was sent home as the source of the bleeding could still not be found. At 34 weeks pregnant, the bleeding returned once again. 

“That second time I felt kind of prepared, I’ve done this before, everything is going to be ok,” said Stewart. “I know the experience that I had first, so that made me feel a lot better.” 

Stewart was once again transferred from Pembroke Regional Hospital via Ornge helicopter to Ottawa. Stewart rode alone as Dan drove to meet her at Ottawa Civic. 

“The hospital was in Pembroke, so to go to Ottawa was a two-hour drive, and he drove down and met me,” said Stewart. “He couldn’t believe it when I texted him and said that I was there. He was like ‘Oh my god, that was like 25 minutes.’ And I was like ‘I know it was great!’”  

Once admitted, the labour and delivery staff informed Stewart that she would have to deliver that day. 

“They basically said, ‘We keep seeing you, and not to be mean, but we don’t want to see you anymore, let’s just get the baby out!” said Stewart. 

Stewart had the choice of whether she wished to attempt to deliver naturally or choose a C-section. Stewart opted for the C-section, and that was when doctors finally uncovered the reason for Stewart’s bleeding. 

“They actually didn’t know what was wrong until I had my C-section, and then they could really see what was wrong,” said Stewart. “It was placenta abruption.”

Baby James was admitted to the NICU, where he would spend the first three weeks of life as Stewart and her partner learned to navigate COVID restrictions as new parents. The Stewart family today are thriving and happy. 

“Being that James was a pre-mature baby, he didn’t have any obstacles in his life. He’s a happy, healthy 5-year-old who has a lot of energy,” said Stewart. 

James is now a big brother to 4-month-old little sister Hannah. Stewart says that having the support of the Ornge team was what made her and baby James feel safe. 

“I’m really thankful for them. I honestly think it made me feel safe and my baby. It was a really stressful time, and I just felt really cared for and appreciate them a lot,” said Stewart. “Especially when you’re pregnant, there are two lives you’re thinking about.” 

We acknowledge and thank the Ornge transport crews and Operations Control Centre for their patient-centred care and coordination demonstrated to Stewart and her family. 

“I am deeply thankful for the Ornge services. I felt cared for, respected, and safe during an extremely stressful chapter of my life. I will always appreciate the role Ornge played in helping me and my son,” said Stewart.

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• Patients and Families