The ask
On a remote mine-site in Western Australia, ERS medical staff faced a critical medical emergency with a worker suffering from an acute exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Advanced and immediate medical intervention was required, although complicated by the mine-site's isolation and the severity of the patient's condition.
The on-site ERS medial staff, responsible for emergencies on the site, had to act quickly.
What we did
Given the patients failure to respond to initial treatments, and rapid deterioration, the Intensive Care Paramedic and attending Registered Nurse determined the patient required immediate advanced airway management.
Recognising the significant risk of impending respiratory arrest, the decision was made to proceed with orotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation.
The outcome
Intubation was successfully achieved on the first attempt by the attending medical team. Following stabilisation, the medical team focused on maintaining the patient’s hemodynamic status and prepared an evacuation to Perth by the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).
On the arrival of the RFDS, a detailed handover was provided, and the patient was airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital, where he spent two weeks in intensive care.
Results
Prompt recognition of the severity of the COPD exacerbation
Successful intubation to mechanically ventilate patient
Patient made a significant recovery and was discharged
Make sure you have the right medical and emergency personnel
Talk to our Operational Services team about our medical staffing options, including long-tenure and rapid deployment.
Executive Risk Solutions Head Office
