Queensland paramedics’ quick decision to immediately give a sick boy antibiotics — suspecting, correctly, that he had meningococcal — potentially saved his life.
Three-year-old Arthur* developed high temperatures, lethargy, vomiting and was writhing in pain when his parents called triple-0 earlier in 2024.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Arthur’s mum call to emergency services.
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Pain medication had not been effective, his parents told an emergency operator before paramedics arrived at his North Lakes home, north of Brisbane.
“Little marks have popped up on him,” his mum said on the call.
Advanced care paramedic Rebecca* was part of the crew that quickly identified symptoms of meningococcal meningitis and administered intravenous antibiotics in the home.
“Luckily, we were able to identify early the signs and symptoms for Arthur and were able to give him some medicine early, so he was able to be with us today,” she said.
The ambulance crew then took Arthur to Redcliffe Hospital, where he made a full recovery.
Arthur was reunited with his saviours on Wednesday, when he gave them signed “thank you” certificates.
“Without the quick-thinking and recognition of the signs of meningococcal meningitis by (paramedics) Kasey, Jayson, Rebecca and Craig, little Arthur’s story may have had a devastating outcome,” Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said.
“I want to thank this incredible crew for their work, as well as the dedicated staff at Redcliffe Hospital who continued the incredible care for Arthur during his five-day recovery.”
Arthur was not vaccinated for meningococcal B and his parents have urged others to consider getting their children immunised against the disease.
“I can’t stress the importance of getting the vaccination. The (Queensland Ambulance Service) staff here saved Arthur’s life,” dad Garth* said.
The state government this month launched a program to provide free meningococcal B vaccines at GPs, community vaccination clinics, pharmacies, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services for all infants and children younger than two, as well as adolescents aged 15 to 19.
Vaccines had previously cost up to $100, putting access out of reach for some families.
* Last names not provided for privacy reasons
