Some perspective.

[summerdays]

CPR working has slim odds but it's always worth trying, and you did what you had to which was to keep the circulation going until someone with equipment turned up. And at least her family will know that she was given that chance. Well done @Drago I dread having to use my training, and to make sure I remember it. It's also worth saying that it's worth repeating the training as it changes a little every time I do.

As @User says it's worth knowing where in the community the nearest AED is, anyone can use them, they give clear instructions though I've only ever seem them demonstrated rather than had to use one. And the person on the other end of the 999 call can tell you the code to release it.

 

[Tin Pot]

Tragic.

Stay strong.

Sudden death shocks everyone around. We buried my friend last Thursday. Watched his son crying as they lowered the cask. Everything else seems so insignificant, really.

I've got a break in work coming up so I'll book in a CPR course.

 

[Incontinentia Buttocks]

You did all anyone could have done, no one could have asked for more. You did good.

 

[AndyRM]

Nothing new to add from me beyond commending your efforts, which I'm sure are hugely appreciated by your neighbours.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Poor young girl, RIP.
You tried all you could.
Recently, an incident on a ride made me aware that my half day first aid training is not enough, you are right about all of us getting more training.

 

[buggi]

My sister is a paramedic and she told me only something like 5% (IIRC) are saved when they have a cardiac arrest. The majority of that percentage is cardiac arrest by trauma (ie car accident) when the heart is otherwise healthy but has stopped due to impact, and is strong enough to be restarted. If your heart stops in any other circumstance (home, work or playing sports) it's because either something is wrong with the heart or brain and no amount of expertise or equipment will make a difference (cardiac arrest... not to be confused by heart attack where only part of the heart stops). In these circumstances that you faced, which is full on cardiac arrest, there is an underlying serious illness.
My
brother works in a hospital too. He will tell you that real life is not an episode of Casualty or Holby City. He has had plenty die on him and the crash team. They have their backs against the wall in these circumstances.

If a fast responder and two ambo crews couldn't save her, there is absolutely nothing you could have done.
If
anything, your actions gave her the best chance possible while they were on route. You did it right, there is NOTHING you could have done.

You may feel better when the autopsy is done, as it will reveal the cause, which could be something like a stroke or brain haemorrhage, or a problem with the heart. And you will know that it wasn't anything you did or didn't do. If you're still struggling in a week, pm me your number and I'll ask my brother to call you and you can chat to him about how it really is. I know he has also struggled. Pm it me anyway if you can't wait.

 

[marshmella]

Just read this thread and as many ,many others have said you couldn't have done anymore. You come over as a thoroughly decent guy @Drago and anyone would be proud and extremely grateful to have you on their side in such a dreadful situation.

 

[Drago]

I'm ok Buggi. I don't like losing a high stakes game like that, though I've got my head round it now. Sad, pissed off, angry, but I'm ok.

 

[Cubist]

You tried Drago, you know you did. Well done.

PM me if you need a chat.

 

[jazzkat]

Such a sad tale, It's genuinely brought a tear to my eye. I'm unlucky enough to have known children/youths who have died young and it feels like such a waste.
I can't agree more with all the people who have said that you did the right thing. In fact I'll go further and say that I seriously hope that I have a neighbour that is as switched on and as selfless as you and I think the world would be a better place if we all had a Drago on our street!
Take care of yourself

 

[Cuchilo]

Never beat yourself up about helping out mate . I know its hard not too but always remember YOU where there when it mattered .

 

[mcshroom]

As has been said, there is nothing else you could have done. I also dread the day I have to use that part of my first aid training for real, and realise that the odds are slim. You did your best, and gave her the best chance you could. I respect you for that, and I'm sure her family will do so too.

 

[Mrs M]

Poor lass, very sad news.
Well done to you for doing the right thing and trying your best, sorry it just wasn't to be, best wishes, take care xx.

 

[jhawk]

Just reading all this now. Bloody hell.

You did everything you could for her mate. Take solace in that, at least.

 

[swansonj]

As I recall, you are not just a copper but a mountain rescue volunteer. I'm going to guess:
- your first aid skills are way ahead of what even those of us who've done a course have acquired
- short of a fully equipped paramedic, you are about the best neighbour anyone could want in these circumstances
- if you couldn't save her, probably no-one could
- you've probably saved more lives in your time than most of the non-medical forumites (including me) put together.

Even when I have disagreed with your political views, I have always thought there are few people I would rather see coming into view if i was marooned on a mountain ... or if my daughter was in trouble. You have just confirmed that through your actions here.