Author: Zoe Hinchcliffe / Editor: Steve Corry-Bass / Codes: RP3, SLO5, XC2 / Published: 12/11/2021

You are working alongside a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle (RRV) as a part of a PHEM-rotation.

You are allocated to a “red” call which states: “3-year-old cardiac arrest. Unsupervised child fallen into outdoor pond. Not breathing. Not responsive”. You are 5 minutes away from the scene.

After safely travelling and arriving at scene, you find the child in her mother’s arms, floppy and blue in colour. The mother is very distressed and crying uncontrollably.

You and your colleague assess the patient for signs of life and confirm cardiac arrest – you start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).