A Golden Plains family say they are "forever grateful" to the paramedics who helped save the lives of their baby son and his mum, months before his expected arrival.
Bannockburn mum Alannah Lees suffered a sudden placental abruption at 32 weeks on 4 July, with Alannah experiencing a major bleed in the middle of the night.
ALS paramedic Nicholas Buller, Archie and Alannah Lees and MICA paramedic Andrew Lyon.
Mrs Lees, a theatre nurse at a Geelong hospital, said without the paramedics, her family would be telling an "unimaginable story".
"It came out of nowhere, I'd seen my obstetrician that day and everything was fine," she said.
"When it happened, I knew it wasn't a small bleed and I was really scared because I couldn't feel any fetal movements."
Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedic Andrew Lyon and Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic Nicholas Buller arrived at the family's home within minutes.
"There was no mucking around, they knew the severity of the situation and how crucial time was and they just said let's go straight to the hospital," Mrs Lees said.
Bannockburn paramedic Anderw Lyon said while paramedics always hope for a positive outcome, it was unclear what would happen in this case.
"We all knew how serious it was, including Alannah due to her line of work, so getting her and the baby to hospital and as soon as possible was critical," he said.
Mrs Lees was taken to Geelong University Hospital, with baby Archer "Archie" Lees born via emergency caesarean less than an hour later on 5 July.
Archie weighed just 1.8kg and was taken to intensive care and intubated before being transferred to Melbourne's Mercy Hospital for Women for specialised neonatal care.
"It was still a bit touch and go at the start and while we knew he was in safe hands, it was very hard watching him go and grappling with the unknown of whether would we see him again," Alannah said.
Archie spent two and half weeks in Mercy Women's before being transferred back to St John of God Geelong Hospital.
After five weeks, the family was able to take Archie home where he was met by his two adoring big brothers.
(L-R): Hudson, Archie and Hugh Lees.
Paramedics Nicholas and Andrew were delighted to meet baby Archie recently at the family's home.
"We had found out that baby had survived after they'd arrived at hospital, which was wonderful because at the time, we didn't know what would happen," Mr Lyon said.
"It was wonderful to see Alannah again and meet baby Archie who is doing so well."
Mrs Lees said the paramedics would always have a special place in their hearts.
"What can you say or give to someone who saved my life and the life of my unborn baby," she said.
"I'll be forever grateful."
