A Journey That Changed Lives
In a moving story that seems straight out of a movie, the life of six-year-old Eva was saved thanks to an exceptional medical transfer in Madrid. The girl, who suffered a double infection from pneumococcus and adenovirus, was on the brink of death when her family was forced to make critical decisions for her well-being. Her mother, Belén Peláez, recalls with emotion the moment when the doctors at the Niño Jesús Children's Hospital decided to prioritise Eva due to the severity of her condition.
After several days in intensive care and severe complications that led to cardiac arrest, the doctors informed the parents about the arrival of a "special team" from the 12 de Octubre Hospital. This group is specialised in the use of ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) machines, which simulate the functions of the heart and lungs. "It was either that or nothing," Belén remembers about the decisive moment.
The transfer required a complex device composed of paediatric intensivists, perfusion nurses, and cardiac surgeons. Additionally, the State Security Forces played a crucial role in ensuring safety during the journey. "A city is paralysed to save your daughter," says Belén with gratitude towards all those who made this miracle possible.
Despite the difficult road ahead —twelve days connected to the ECMO machine and another month in ICU— Eva was finally discharged just in time to celebrate Father's Day. Although she now faces pulmonary sequelae due to the treatment received, her parents are grateful for every additional day with their daughter. The pulmonologists have explained that the sequelae are understandable given the critical nature of her initial situation.
Since 2012, Spain has been conducting voluntary ECMO transfers for critically ill paediatric patients. Recently, hospitals like 12 de Octubre have been recognised as national reference centres for this type of intercommunity transport. Dr. Sylvia Belda has led this pioneering programme and celebrates the achievements made so far: "Ideally, there should be few people making many transports," she states.
Despite the trauma experienced, the family has found ways to adapt to their new reality. They avoid closed places to protect Eva and lead a quieter life focused on home. The story highlights not only medical advances but also the community and human power behind the collective effort to save lives.
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