Pregnant woman in Palermo saved by emergency responders after hemorrhaging at eight months.

Last Updated: September 4, 2023

Operators of the 118 emergency service and the Cervello Hospital in Palermo saved a pregnant woman who was experiencing heavy bleeding and complete placental detachment. The incident occurred in Palermo, with the intervention of the ambulance from the “postazione 21” in Mondello and later the gynecological emergency room at Villa Sofia-Cervello hospital, where a baby girl was delivered. At 32 weeks gestation, the woman complained of abdominal/pelvic pain. They called the emergency service and the ambulance arrived promptly, with the driver-rescuer Carlo Alagna, doctor Antonio Salamone, and nurse Gaspare Riina. Upon arrival, they realized that the situation was more severe than expected. Alagna quickly grabbed a specialized stretcher for these cases and they helped the woman out of her house. The woman mentioned experiencing hemorrhage, so they administered an intravenous access and monitored her vital signs. They communicated in real-time with the emergency service and headed to the gynecological emergency room at Cervello Hospital. Upon arrival, the bleeding intensified, prompting them to alert the operating room. The doctors confirmed their suspicion that it was a complete placental detachment, which posed risks to both the mother and baby. They handed over the patient’s medical records to the gynecological emergency room team, and an emergency cesarean section was performed. The most beautiful moment was hearing the first cry of the newborn baby, who decided to come into the world at that moment with them. Fortunately, both the baby and mother are doing well. The president of the 118 emergency service, Riccardo Castro, commends the rescuer Carlo Alagna, the other two members of the ambulance crew, and the operators of the gynecological emergency room at Cervello Hospital for their promptness, professionalism, and collaboration, which led to a successful rescue. The 118 emergency service is proud of these accomplishments.