The importance of meningococcal B vaccines was on display at Queensland Parliament last week, after little Arthur was reunited with the paramedics that saved his life.
After three-year-old Arthur developed very high temperatures, became lethargic, and was writhing in pain earlier this year, his parents Shannon and Garth called 000.
They told Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) Sarah that standard pain relief medications had been ineffective, and Sarah swiftly dispatched Arthur’s heroes.
Critical Care Paramedics (CCP) Jayson and Kasey, with Advanced Care Paramedics (ACP) Rebecca and Craig, arrived quickly on scene and identified that Arthur was experiencing symptoms of deadly meningococcal meningitis.
The paramedics then administered the vital first dose of intravenous antibiotics in their family home, which would go on to help save Arthur’s life.
Doctors at Redcliffe Hospital told Arthur’s parents five days later that the first vital dose of antibiotics administered by paramedics was a game-changer for Arthur’s positive outcome.
The reunion complements the recent success of the Queensland Government’s free meningococcal B vaccine program, with more than 17,800 vaccine doses administered since its launch on 1 March 2024.
Queensland Health Minister, Shannon Fentiman, paid special tribute to the many general practitioners who had administered the majority of vaccines.
The vaccinations are accessible through general practitioners, community vaccination clinics, pharmacies, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services for all infants and children under two, as well as adolescents aged 15 – 19.
Previously, families would have to pay up to $100 per dose for the Men B vaccine, which put it out of reach for many families who face rising cost of living pressures.
The $90 million investment into the free meningococcal B vaccine program highlights the Miles Government commitment to ensuring all Queensland children can live healthy and happy lives, and their efforts to remove cost-barriers for Queenslanders accessing healthcare.
Minister for Health, Mental Health, and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman said “It is no secret we have some of the best health care professionals in the country, and this amazing story proves just that.
“Without the quick-thinking and recognition of the signs of meningococcal meningitis by Kasey, Jayson, Rebecca and Craig, little Arthur’s story may have had a devastating outcome.
“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.
“We know vaccines saves lives, and this story serves as a timely reminder for Queenslanders to ensure their family’s vaccinations are up to date.
“It’s exciting to see so many families taking up the opportunity to vaccinate their children at no cost through our $90 million meningococcal B vaccine program.
“I want to pay tribute to our GPs, who have been leading the way in administering over 10,000 vaccine doses in the last month alone.
“I’m proud to be part of a government that is removing cost barriers and making this potentially life-saving protection free and accessible for Queensland families.”
Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) Commissioner Craig Emery said, “Our dedicated paramedics make us proud every day putting their skills and training into practice to save lives, like Arthur’s,” Commissioner Emery said.
“Paramedics Jayson, Kelsey, Rebecca and Craig should be extremely proud of themselves that their quick-thinking diagnosis and intervention has resulted in a fantastic outcome for this young family.”
“We know a lot of our work isn’t just about our patients, it’s about the family and friends impacted by how we treat their loved one, and to know we have made a difference not just to Arthur, but to his loving parents and sister is incredibly rewarding.”
