Baby delivery to Code White all in a day’s work for LGH Security Officer

An unexpected delivery outside Lions Gate Hospital has earned Paladin Security Officer Pamela Sharif the 2015 Security Officer of the Year award.

A few weeks ago while Pamela was conducting a routine patrol at Lions Gate Hospital around 4 pm,  she heard a man frantically calling for help outside the 13th Street entrance. When Pamela arrived outside, she discovered that the man calling for help was accompanied by woman in active labour and in need of  immediate medical attention.

Pamela quickly radioed for assistance and retrieved a wheelchair to transport the patient to Labour and Delivery. But there wasn’t enough time. The expectant mother’s water broke and the baby’s head started crowning.

Without missing a beat, Pamela grabbed a soft housecoat from the patient’s bag and positioned herself for delivery. Literally seconds later, she was holding a crying baby boy in her arms. Medical personnel arrived soon after and took over care of the newborn and mother.

Baby cried on first breath

“It was extra excitement that day,” says Pamela of her first experience with a delivery. “The baby cried right away so I knew he was breathing.”

With barely a minute to recover from the birthing experience, Pamela was called to join the rest of the security team for an ongoing Code White call for an “aggressive person” elsewhere in the hospital.

“Pamela is deserving of this recognition for many reasons. Her attentiveness while on patrol, quick thinking, and spot on instincts enabled the safe delivery of a newborn baby before medical personnel could arrive,” says Tibor Kovacs, BC Healthcare Operations Manager, Paladin Security.

The hospital environment is a unique setting where patient care is the primary mission. This incident is a great example of how industry professionals can come together to work hand in hand to provide the best possible care to all the members of our communities, says Tibor.

In this case, the patient was so grateful that our security officer took her mandate of protecting life and property to a whole new level.

For Pamela, it’s all in a day’s work at “my hospital.”

“I love working here and being on the floor with patients and staff,” says Pam. “This is literally my hospital. I live in this neighbourhood and both my kids were born here – that’s why I an so protective of it.”

Officer lauded for enthusiasm and professionalism

Pamela’s impact on the industry reaches far beyond any one incident, though. She’s been a core member of the security team at LGH for over a decade. A former supervisor of hers commented: “Pam has played an integral role as a leader, mentor and role model to our team. She gives her best during each and every shift, regardless of what twists and turns the day may bring. She handles everything that comes her way with enthusiasm, professionalism and a positive attitude, which are qualities she has instilled in her colleagues by way of example.”

Many of the officers she has mentored over the years have moved on to management roles both within Paladin and other organizations, as well as into law enforcement, including police and BC Sherriff’s. Pamela is held in high regard by her co-workers and hospital staff alike. She is a true ambassador to the BC Security industry.