²ÝݮӰÊÓ

Trending Topics

Md. EMS crew recognized for infant cardiac arrest save

Clear Spring EMS responded to an urgent call involving an infant initially in respiratory distress

By Bill Carey
²ÝݮӰÊÓ

CLEAR SPRING, Md. — The Washington County Division of Emergency Services presented the Life Savers Award to Clear Spring EMS and Division of Emergency Services team members for their work in saving an infant during a rare out-of-hospital pediatric cardiac arrest.

The Washington County Division of Emergency Services stated in a that in June, Clear Spring EMS responded to a 2-month-old in respiratory distress. Paramedic Chuck Smith, EMT Peter Mitchell and off-duty Captain Melanie Higgins discovered the infant in cardiac arrest, prompting immediate assistance from EMS Supervisor Captain Casey McKnight. The team swiftly initiated CPR, airway management and cardiac defibrillation.


Reviewing the pediatric evidence for stay and play or load and go

The infant had experienced a ventricular fibrillation arrest due to an undiagnosed cardiac abnormality, a condition with a survival rate of less than 2% nationwide.

The combined Clear Spring EMS and DES team administered intensive pre-hospital care, including medication and additional electrical therapy while en route to Meritus Medical Center.

The infant was further stabilized before being transferred to a pediatric specialty center. The infant made a complete recovery and was discharged without neurological deficits.


Exploring the medication and treatments that allow for the best translation of paramedic skill and experience from adult OHCA care to pediatric OHCA
Looking to build confidence and skills in treating pediatric cardiac arrest patients? We’ve got you covered.
Trending
Troy officials are weighing a $4 to $5 million plan to launch city-run EMS, arguing it could cut response times and reduce long-term costs
Thousands of first responders and survivors rely on the WTC Health Program to get treatment related to injuries and illnesses caused by the toxins at Ground Zero
The closure of Northern Light Inland Hospital is straining emergency services in Waterville, raising concerns that the region’s already-stretched mutual aid system could be pushed to its limit
University Hospital’s new control center aims to speed up patient care by tackling delays and streamlining hospital operations, cutting wait times by as much as 35 minutes