Home / Crime and Justice / Airway struggle: Teen's inquest reveals critical moments
Airway struggle: Teen's inquest reveals critical moments
3 Jun
Summary
- Attempts to clear Edie's airway failed until a specialized paramedic intervened.
- Basic life support was given by non-paramedics unable to use advanced airway devices.
- The family believes potential missed opportunities occurred during the rescue attempt.
An inquest is underway following the death of 13-year-old Edie Smart, who was swept away by the sea in Whitley Bay on July 24 and died four days later. The Newcastle Coroners' Court heard that initial attempts to clear her airway were unsuccessful.
Dr. Michael Penn from the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) took over the critical task of securing Edie's airway, encountering challenging conditions including sand and vomit that obstructed suction devices. He described it as a necessary 'quick judgment call' to intervene.
Two ambulance support practitioners from the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) provided immediate life-saving treatment, including CPR. However, they lacked the authorization to use an I-Gel, a device essential for maintaining an open airway, as they were not paramedics. The family expressed gratitude for their efforts.
During the hearing, it was suggested that ambulance support practitioners could potentially be trained to use I-Gels in emergency situations. The inquest also addressed a statement from a third-party paramedic who claimed not to have realized a paramedic was absent from Edie's immediate care until several minutes into his own intervention. Officials confirmed that paramedics are identifiable by their distinct uniform markings.
