Brief Summary
This video documents a critical emergency response to a 25-year-old woman, Kelly, suffering a severe asthma attack. MICA paramedics Marc and Carina, along with other first responders, battle to stabilize Kelly, ultimately intubating her and transporting her to the hospital. The video highlights the intensity and challenges of pre-hospital emergency care, the emotional toll on the patient's family, and the dedication of the paramedics involved. Against the odds, Kelly makes a full recovery, and the video concludes with a heartwarming reunion between Kelly, her family, and the paramedics who saved her life.
- Severe asthma attack requires critical intervention.
- Paramedics intubate and transport patient to the hospital.
- Patient makes a full recovery and reunites with the paramedics.
Emergency Call and Initial Response
The Emergency Communications Centre receives a call from Melbourne's outer east regarding a daughter suffering a severe asthma attack. The caller's daughter urgently needs help from a Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA). MICA paramedics Marc and Carina, who have specialist training for life-threatening situations, are dispatched. Another crew arrives first and radios in updates, indicating the severity of the situation.
Critical Intervention and Escalating Measures
Upon arrival, Marc and Carina find Kelly unconscious, sweaty, and blue, barely moving any air. Initial adrenaline injections prove ineffective, prompting the paramedics to administer an adrenaline infusion directly into her veins. Despite their efforts, Kelly shows little response, causing great concern. The paramedics recognize the need to escalate their intervention to save Kelly's life.
Intubation and Stabilization
With Kelly's condition deteriorating, the decision is made to intubate her, placing her in a coma to allow direct oxygenation of her lungs. Paramedics administer drugs to sedate her before inserting a breathing tube using a bougie. The intubation is successful, but Kelly remains in critical condition and needs to be transported to the hospital as quickly as possible.
Complex Extraction and Transport
Moving Kelly, who is now sedated and paralyzed, presents a significant challenge. The team works carefully to avoid dislodging the breathing tube, which would have dire consequences. They lift her onto a stretcher and navigate her out of the house, ensuring the tube remains secure throughout the move. Kelly is then rushed to the hospital, where life support systems can continue to breathe for her.
Family's Perspective and Hope
Kelly's mother, Anna, is distraught, witnessing her daughter's life-threatening condition. She expresses her fear of losing Kelly and the helplessness she feels. The paramedics acknowledge the emotional toll on Anna and reassure her that they are doing everything they can to save Kelly. The bond between Kelly and Anna is highlighted, with Anna expressing her unwavering support for her daughter.
Hospital Arrival and Critical 24 Hours
En route to the hospital, the paramedics continue to monitor and stabilize Kelly. They emphasize the importance of maintaining the breathing tube and providing her with the opportunity to rest and recover. The next 24 hours are deemed critical for Kelly's survival.
Recovery and Reunion
Two weeks later, it is revealed that Kelly has made a complete recovery after spending three days in a coma. She, along with her mother and fiancé, visits the paramedics to express their gratitude. The reunion is emotional, with both Kelly and the paramedics expressing their joy and relief at the positive outcome. Kelly's asthma attack was triggered by pneumonia and a chest infection, highlighting the importance of managing her condition. The paramedics are deeply moved by Kelly's recovery, reaffirming their commitment to their profession.
