On Monday, a one-month-old baby named Theo was saved from choking in Teresina, Brazil, by a team from the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU) after a delay caused by a flat tire. The baby's mother approached the emergency team while they were waiting for a mechanic to fix the ambulance, which had just dropped off an elderly accident victim at the hospital. Dr. Tânia Furtado, who performed the lifesaving maneuver, noted the urgency, as the baby arrived unconscious and in dire need of immediate care.

Dr. Furtado recounted the frantic situation when the couple arrived on a motorcycle, carrying the unresponsive infant. Recognizing the criticalness of the situation, she quickly performed an airway obstruction removal maneuver, which took about 40 seconds. She successfully revived the baby, who responded with a weak moan, indicating some recovery after the intervention. Out of respect for the family's distress, the action was not recorded, emphasizing the sensitive nature of such emergencies.

This incident highlights the vital role emergency medical teams play in life-or-death situations and raises awareness about the potential critical incidents that can occur even when emergency vehicles face unexpected mechanical issues. The prompt response of Dr. Furtado and her team underlines the unpredictability of their work and the dedication required to handle such emergencies effectively.