An emergency call handler and ambulance crews have been praised for their part in the dramatic delivery of twins on Tuesday night.

The family called 999 from a house in Claydon, Ipswich, shortly after 11.30pm, and the first baby was born almost immediately as the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) call handler answered the phone.

A spokesperson for EEAST said: “The call handler made sure that the baby was conscious and breathing, before immediately turning his attentions back to the mother to talk through the delivery of the second baby.”

The second baby was coming in a breech position, which can be potentially dangerous and means the call handler has to give a different set of instructions from a normal delivery.

Fortunately, a rapid response car with a paramedic on board was soon on the scene and was able to help deliver the second baby.

Two ambulances also arrived and because the second baby had a very weak pulse crews gave chest compressions on the way to hospital.

The spokesman added: “We’ve contacted the hospital and we’re really pleased that both babies are doing well.

“We’re incredibly proud of our call handler for the way in which he dealt with such a difficult and unusual call. We’d also like to praise the fantastic efforts of the crews for their work in delivering and treating the second baby and ensuring that all three were taken safely to Ipswich Hospital.

“Calls like this are rare, and to have a positive outcome is great news. We’d like to wish the family all the best in the future.”