“Keep compressions going.”
There was no time to waste.
With CPR continuing, the team carefully repositioned Emma, placing a pillow beneath her right hip to tilt her body slightly to the left and reduce the pressure of the pregnant uterus on the major blood vessels.
“Careful. Keep her supported.”
The moment she was positioned, the doctor returned his hands to the center of her chest.
Emma’s body moved only because their hands moved it.
Her head rested motionless against the bed. Her arms lay limp beside her, and there was still no attempt to breathe on her own.
While the resuscitation continued, another doctor moved to Emma’s head.
“Hold compressions only when I tell you.”
The laryngoscope was introduced.
The endotracheal tube was carefully advanced through her vocal cords.
The tube was secured and connected to the ventilation equipment.
Air entered Emma’s lungs.
But none of those breaths belonged to her.
The compressions stopped.
For a few agonizing seconds, everyone watched the monitor.
Immediately, hands returned to her chest.
Nobody needed to say what they were all beginning to understand.
Every minute without spontaneous circulation was making Emma’s chances smaller.
But stopping was not an option.
Another pair of hands took over.
The compressions continued with the same relentless rhythm.
Emma remained completely unresponsive beneath them.
The monitor continued to offer them no reason for hope.
Then, several minutes into the resuscitation, something changed.
The monitor produced a different sound.
Eyes turned toward the screen.
“I have organized electrical activity.”
“Stop compressions. Check for a pulse.”
The room suddenly became still.
The doctor pressed two fingers against Emma’s neck.
Then his expression changed.
For the first time since Emma had collapsed, the monitor traced one heartbeat after another.
Nobody moved for a moment.
Emma was still unconscious.
The endotracheal tube remained between her lips, and every rise of her chest was still being given to her by someone else.
The danger was far from over.
But beneath the doctor’s fingertips, her heart was beating again.
After minutes of silence, Emma’s body had finally given them something back.
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