Rigid Bronchoscope could have saved toddler’s life

The question of whether or not more could have been done to save the toddler has consistently been asked. Doctor Cecilio Eck, one of the pediatricians who helped to revive the infant, says that the family followed the appropriate procedures to aid the infant. However, the main issue was the fact that a Rigid Bronchoscope which could have removed the object from the child’s trachea was not available in Belmopan.

Dr. Cecilio Eck, Paediatrician
“Jaydan needed to be assessed appropriately and that airway needed to be secure before any other airway was done. Calling in a surgeon, calling in the paediatrician because the paediatricians will try and get the airway, as was done in his case eventually but the surgeon will try and put in a tube below where the obstruction is to get oxygen to the long and eventually to the brain. After stabilization, especially in our setting, transporting the kid to a hospital that has ventilator capacity which was done so I think the big issue is maybe the initial assessment at the hospital. I think that is where we fell down.”

Jose Sanchez
“When it comes to the actual equipment that would have been necessary to assist the toddler, was that equipment available in Belmopan?”

Dr. Cecilio Eck
“The only hospital that has one in Belize is the K.H.M.H. Some of the private hospitals have flexible bronchoscopes but the rigid ones are the ones we use to remove foreign bodies. Not only do you need equipment, but you need adequately trained personnel to utilize that equipment who are available is in this case in an emergency.”

Jose Sanchez
“So that is something that would have been needed right there in Belmopan?”

Dr. Cecilio Eck
“Yes. If me and you started to choke right now, after trying the Heimlich, we should be taken to the emergency room at the K.H.M.H., and a rigid Bronchoscopy done to remove the foreign body.”