Case report

A 7-year-old unrestrained female front seat passenger of a saloon car was involved in a low velocity (combined velocity ∼38 kph) head-on collision with a similar vehicle. The front passenger airbag deployed and struck the child. The emergency services were alerted and a local doctor attended the scene within minutes. Initial assessment demonstrated that the patient had an agonal respiratory effort and was noted to be tachycardic and hypotensive. PEA (pulseless electrical activity) quickly developed. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated, venous access secured, and the patient was transferred by road to the emergency department at the local university teaching hospital. The ambulance was met en route by a medical team from the emergency department. CPR was ongoing and persistent PEA was noted. Laryngoscopy was performed and a grade 1 Cormack and Lehane view of the vocal cords was obtained. …