A baby who needed an improvised oxygen mask made from a cake package has recovered from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Natal. The baby, who is three months old, was initially admitted to the Santa Cruz Municipal Hospital with suspected bronchiolitis on Saturday. Due to the severity of the situation, the hospital staff improvised an oxygen helmet using a cake package on Monday while waiting for a transfer to a hospital with a pediatric ICU.
According to Dr. Silvana Braga, the technical coordinator of the unit, the baby is still in the hospital ward and has been showing progressive improvement in respiratory patterns. However, the baby still requires oxygen supplementation through a nasal catheter.
Upon admission to the Santa Cruz hospital, the baby was experiencing severe respiratory distress, nasal congestion, fever, runny nose, vomiting, and diarrhea. The following Tuesday, the baby was transferred to Natal for treatment at the Varela Santiago Children’s Hospital.
Bronchiolitis is a common viral respiratory infection that affects young children, causing inflammation in the small airways of the lungs. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Treatment often involves supportive care to help the child breathe more easily.
Improvising medical equipment in emergency situations, like using a cake package as an oxygen mask, showcases the dedication and resourcefulness of healthcare professionals in providing the best possible care for their patients. It is a testament to the commitment of medical teams to save lives, even in challenging circumstances.
As the baby continues to recover and receive treatment at the hospital, the medical staff will closely monitor his progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. The resilience and strength of the baby, coupled with the expertise of the medical team, will contribute to his full recovery and return to health.
This heartwarming story serves as a reminder of the incredible work done by healthcare professionals every day to save lives and provide comfort to those in need. The compassion and quick thinking demonstrated by the hospital staff in Santa Cruz highlight the importance of teamwork and innovation in delivering quality healthcare to all patients, regardless of the circumstances.