When I arrived at the hospital, we were expecting the plane and EMTs from Dallas to arrive within 45 minutes. I stayed with Andrew while Damian went home to pack and try to nap before making the drive to Dallas.
When the EMTs arrived, I finally felt the urgency that the situation warranted. The team consisted of three paramedics, with one registered nurse (RN), one respiratory therapist (RT), and one who was simply a paramedic. They walked in and began assessing him immediately. The RT said Andrew was not moving air at all in his lungs, and also observed that the oxygen given by the nurse was not doing a thing, since his canula (oxygen tube) was in upside down. They immediately deemed him unfit for air travel and began trying to improve his breathing so that we could make the flight.
I could tell my baby boy was in a very precarious situation. It's frightening to see your tiny baby propped up on a table with a medical team surrounding him, but I could also tell that they were well-equipped to care for him, which was comforting. His heartbeat was in the 220s and they worked to bring it down. The EMTs did a breathing treatment, a deep suction of his nasal cavities, and another breathing treatment to help stabilize his breathing.
He was still breathing poorly and needed to be intubated for the flight, but there was quite a bit of discussion on whether they could and should intubate him. The RN from Dallas had been in constant communication with the doctors at Children's Medical Center in Dallas, and after much discussion, the decision was finally made that while he needed intubation, it was a risk they couldn't take. His lung anatomy was so strange that it could cause more problems and perhaps even make the situation worse. Instead, they used a CPAP type of device to provide oxygen for him in flight. After about two hours of prepping him for air travel, we were ready to go around 6:30 am.
We took an ambulance to the Texarkana Airport, where we connected with a private jet belonging to Children's Medical Center. I was told beforehand that the flight would take a little longer than usual. The EMTs asked the pilot to fly at a lower altitude. Air expands as altitude increases, and if the air in Andrew's lungs expanded too much, it would make a dangerous situation worse. Instead, we flew at a lower altitude and took a little longer to get to Dallas. The ride was also bumpier because of the lower altitude, but it would be worth it. I had the feeling that if my baby could just make it through the flight, he would probably be OK. I called Damian just prior to boarding to tell him what a precarious situation Andrew was in, and to pray for Andrew's stability during the flight.
I boarded the flight first and headed to the back of the plane, which would probably seat about 10 people, if it were full of seats. Andrew's gurney was in front of me, and the EMTs sat in seats on the left side of the plane. During the flight, I mostly prayed and tried to find ways of peeping around the equipment to see my son's tiny face, just to make sure he was still OK. The EMTs were well-prepared to jump in should his breathing change, but our prayers were answered and he stayed in the same condition throughout the flight.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
It is well with my soul.
I'm at the edge of my seat! You are doing a wonderful job conveying what happened. I feel like I'm watching a Lifetime movie - except it stars you and your family. You were so strong and brave. I would have cried the entire time probably.
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