Tragic Event at Paracuellos de Jarama Health Centre Raises Questions About Pediatric Emergency Care
A baby died this Friday at a 24-hour health center in Paracuellos de Jarama, Madrid, during continuous care. Reports from El Periódico de España, part of the Prensa Ibérica group, relayed that the incident occurred when a father arrived with his nine-month-old child in the early hours. On arrival, the attending nurse observed the absence of vital signs. At the time, there was no doctor on site, only the nurse and a security guard present at the facility.
The Ministry of Health of the Community of Madrid confirmed that the nurse continued with cardiopulmonary resuscitation while notifying SUMMA112, initiating the immediate mobilization of a mobile intensive care unit and a Home Assistance Unit. Health officials stated that SUMMA experts persisted with resuscitation attempts, though a prolonged pause in time was later acknowledged. The authorities noted that even if a physician had been present, the procedure would have followed the same initial steps: call SUMMA and begin resuscitation measures as appropriate for a pediatric patient.
Given the unexpected nature of the death and the lack of an identifiable cause at the scene, the protocol applicable to such cases was activated to ensure proper procedures were followed and to involve the competent judicial authority. A forensic examination will determine the cause of death as part of the standard investigative process.
Formal condolences were issued from Paracuellos Municipal Council to the family affected by the loss. The council’s social media accounts conveyed messages of sorrow, extending sympathy to the child’s relatives and emphasizing the community’s shared grief.
In statements obtained from health resources at the PACs, it was conveyed that the professionals who attended to the infant were deeply affected, expressing anger and frustration at the circumstances. These sources indicated that, prior to the reorganization of out-of-hospital emergency care, the center would have had a doctor on site as part of its Rural Care Service. A doctor on site would have complemented the work of the nursing staff and support personnel during emergencies, according to those familiar with the protocols at the time of the event.
Dr. Lydia Pradera, a physician at a local hospital, commented on the medical realities of such emergencies. She emphasized that a medical professional is needed to diagnose rapidly, perform intubation if required, and prescribe treatment. While a healthcare worker can manage several tasks, she noted that one clinician cannot address every aspect of emergency care alone, highlighting the necessity of a broader medical team in such critical moments. These reflections were reported by El Periódico de España in connection with the PAC serving Navalcarnero.
“Something Very Serious”
The Apertura SUAP platform shared details from social media regarding the incident. Their posts indicated that the PAC was selected by the ministry for full staffing but did not have a doctor on site that night. At around 7 a.m., parents arrived with a seriously ill infant. Reports described the center as having a nurse specialist and a janitor on duty, with staff performing all they could to assist the child, yet the life could not be saved. These posts underscored that the absence of a doctor at a fully resourced center can critically affect outcomes in pediatric emergencies.
Social media messages from SUAP Opening noted that having a doctor on site does not guarantee a different outcome, but stressed that a full medical team represents the minimum essential team for emergencies. They argued that PACs lacking full staffing are not meeting the necessary standards and that such gaps should not be tolerated since they directly impact patient survival in urgent situations.
Unions and health officials denounced serious ongoing challenges within out-of-hospital emergency centers, describing the situation as chaotic and problematic. The general secretary of the Madrid health workers’ union highlighted concerns about deteriorating conditions, calling attention to persistent staffing shortages and the broader implications for patient care and safety in emergency settings.
The tragedy at the Paracuellos de Jarama Health Centre has spurred discussions about the adequacy of resources in emergency services and the role of fully staffed facilities in safeguarding pediatric patients. While investigators pursue the official cause of death, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of robust on-site medical teams, clear protocols, and timely coordination with regional emergency services to prevent similar losses in the future.