The emergency medical coordination entity in Portugal assured that its response, along with all parties involved, was handled in the most appropriate manner.
“The call was promptly answered, emergency resources were quickly mobilized, and differentiated health care was provided to the patient and baby at all times,” it stated.
A premature baby was born in an ambulance from the Nazaré Volunteer Firefighters, Leiria district, but tragically died after being admitted to the Obstetric Emergency of Leiria hospital.
INEM expressed deep regret that despite the efforts of all teams involved, the situation’s outcome was not as hoped, and extended heartfelt condolences to the family.
The Centre for Emergency Patients Guidance (CODU) received a call at 08:24 via SNS 24 for assistance to a 26-week pregnant patient. Following triage, an Immediate Life Support ambulance from INEM Alcobaça and an Ambulance from Nazaré Firefighters were dispatched at 08:25.
Records show that Nazaré Firefighters arrived at 08:27, with the Alcobaça SIV arriving at 08:34.
After evaluating the patient, the Alcobaça SIV team contacted CODU to relay clinical details, which then instructed transportation to Leiria Hospital and activated the Medical Emergency and Resuscitation Vehicle (VMER).
Further contact was made with the Obstetrics service at Leiria Hospital for preparation of the patient’s arrival and with the Pediatric Inter-hospital Transport Ambulance team for potential support.
At 09:16, Alcobaça SIV informed CODU of the birth, and that the VMER medical team was providing necessary care while 10 minutes away from Leiria Hospital. Records show they arrived at 09:27.
Subsequent contact involved the TIP medical team in a conference with Leiria Hospital’s obstetrics service.
CODU deactivated the TIP upon receiving information at 09:53 that the newborn had passed away at the hospital.
Leiria’s Local Health Unit (ULS) assured that all available resources were activated for a swift and effective response to the patient, who lost the baby.
“From the first moment, all available resources were activated to ensure the quickest and most effective response, within established clinical protocols.”
The ULS of Leira stated that “the birth occurred in the presence of the VMER medical team, which immediately initiated resuscitation maneuvers on the newborn, continuing during transport to the hospital and in the emergency room.”
Given the 26-week gestational age and extreme prematurity, support from the Pediatric Inter-hospital Transport of INEM was promptly requested to ensure potential transfer to a specialized neonatology unit.
“Regrettably, despite all medical efforts, the situation could not be reversed, and the baby passed away,” it confirmed, noting that the couple is receiving psychological support.
