I can't sleep.... today was awful. I work night in the ICU, all adults, never pediatrics. I was sleeping today and woken up by my husband yelling for me, he said there was a baby in the lake (we have a large retention pond next door. ) I bolt out of bed and run outside in my pajamas to find the neighbors attempting CPR on a couch on their porch- I jump in and grab the child off the couch and place him on the floor and resume CPR.
He was saturated, blue, and so cold- no one knew how long he was in the water. I didn't say a word to anyone, just went into autopilot whispering the compression counts and working until the ambulance finally arrived and the EMT placed his hands over mine to take over. He asked quietly if I had any response and all I could do is make a tiny nod no.
the breaths were the worst, I can't even describe the sound , but I know I was getting air into his lungs, but god there was so much water in his lungs. Evertime I try to sleep I hear that awful noise and I keep hearing the moms cries and her repeatedly saying I'm sorry to the other people. The man (turns out it was grandpa that found him) was so upset, he kept hitting the wall with his hands and screaming for help.
I thank god god for my training, autopilot kicked in and during the crisis I tuned out all of the distractions and just did the CPR. I can't imagine he will make it but the officers said he had a pulse and was on the ventilator at the hospital as of this afternoon, no updates since then.
I have done CPR before but at work, this was my first time outside of work and with a child. I hope to never have to do it again. I have so much respect for nurses who work with pediatrics. That was horrible.
The grandmother came by to update again, they plan on trying to take out the ventilator tomorrow, and doctors expect him to breathe on his own!
Some sad news though, they did a MRI and it shows two areas of damage, one on the optic nerve so they think he is not going to be able to see- an ophthalmologist is coming tomorrow she said- and the other area she couldn't remember the name but she said they said it could affect his motor functions some. But she said they are hopeful it is inflammatory and will resolve over time....
she also gave me the room number and name and said I am more than welcome to visit, I plan on going before work tomorrow afternoon- I will post after with any updates..
i am so humbled by this experience, it does not feel real....
Specializes in Psych, Peds, Education, Infection Control.
The grandmother came by to update again, they plan on trying to take out the ventilator tomorrow, and doctors expect him to breathe on his own!
Some sad news though, they did a MRI and it shows two areas of damage, one on the optic nerve so they think he is not going to be able to see- an ophthalmologist is coming tomorrow she said- and the other area she couldn't remember the name but she said they said it could affect his motor functions some. But she said they are hopeful it is inflammatory and will resolve over time....
she also gave me the room number and name and said I am more than welcome to visit, I plan on going before work tomorrow afternoon- I will post after with any updates..
i am so humbled by this experience, it does not feel real....
Ahhhh, this is such amazing news! I mean, yes, he probably will have some residual damage, but I'm so glad to hear he's improving so quickly. As Wuzzie mentioned, the water must've been cold when he went in - and he had YOU there to do CPR and save him!
Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.
Wow.. just got another update from the neighbors, the baby is off ECMO and has woken up, opening his eyes and reaches for the ventilator tubing, they say he will have the ventilator removed soon- AMAZING NEWS!!
They think he will be ok... I am FLOORED... didn't expect this news- still worry if they are seeing reflexes or if he is actually awake but my goodness, that is a miracle!!
this little boy was blue and cold when I got to him, I thought for sure the CPR I was doing was for not, that he was gone, so glad I was wrong.
Wow!!!! I am in tears.... such awesome news!!!!!!!!!
Wow! Miracles do happen! I hope this little boy continues to recover so beautifully. You did an amazing thing that night and I'm sure the family will be so excited to thank you in person.
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
I hugged my two babies extra tight after reading your initial post. I couldn't be happier to hear that the boy has recovered, even though there may be some residual damage.
I was praying for the best, but thinking the worst with this post. My jaw dropped when I read your updates. I have no doubt in my mind that you were instrumental in this boy's survival and recovery.
While I am very happy he survived, I think it's tragic that he may be permanently blind. I really hope they are wrong about that. It sounds like there is going to be a long and potentially difficult recovery for this little boy ahead. I hope the family has plenty of support. They may need lots of help from the community in terms of money, meals, moral support, caregiver breaks, etc.
This family will remain in my thoughts. Appreciate the updates.
I read the initial post a few days ago and as a mom to a toddler it was so heart wrenching, I was in tears and could read no more. I'm so glad to have read your updates and feel hope and relief for that young boy and his family. Their story would be so tragic without your help, nursinginchaos; you saved his life. He will have a long road ahead and may suffer long-term consequences, but he a chance at a very happy life because of you.
Horseshoe, BSN, RN
5,879 Posts
So far great news. Praying that he will be cognitively intact.