‘Baby Magnet’: The woman who’s delivered 19 children by phone

Gemma Cale is the calm voice at the end of the line, helping bring new life into the world. As a St John emergency call handler in New Zealand, she has delivered 19 babies—without ever leaving her desk. Her work is both remarkable and vital, especially in situations where time is of the essence and medical help is far away.

Cale is part of a small group of emergency call handlers who have been trained to guide expectant mothers through childbirth over the phone. This ability is particularly crucial in rural or remote areas where access to emergency services may be limited. Her colleagues have affectionately nicknamed her the 'Baby Magnet,' a testament to her extraordinary skill and the number of lives she has helped save.

“I guide either the mother, if she’s alone, or a family member with her, on how to deliver the baby safely,” Cale said. “It’s mainly about keeping everyone calm—making sure we’ve got towels, a safe place, and just holding their hand over the phone.”

When Cale first delivered a baby by phone, she joined what is known as the Stork Club, a group of emergency call handlers who have successfully guided childbirth over the phone. Each time she helps deliver a baby, she adds another name to the club’s growing list of members.

Cale's most recent delivery was a miracle in itself. She was guiding a mother through labor when the baby was born with the umbilical cord wrapped tightly around its neck. With Cale’s calm guidance, the mother was able to deliver the baby safely, and the child was immediately taken to the hospital for further care.

“It was one of the most intense moments of my career,” Cale said. “But it was also one of the most rewarding. Knowing that I was able to help save a life, even from a distance, was incredibly fulfilling.”

Cale’s work is not without its challenges. She must remain calm and focused in high-pressure situations, often with limited information about the mother’s condition or the environment in which she is giving birth. But she is driven by a deep sense of responsibility and a passion for helping others.

“Every time I help deliver a baby, I feel like I’ve made a difference,” Cale said. “It’s not just about the baby—it’s about the mother, the family, and the future. That’s why I do what I do.”

Cale’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of emergency services and the incredible people who work within them. As a ‘Baby Magnet,’ she has helped bring new life into the world, one phone call at a time.