Newborn boy’s life saved by helicopter intervention in northern Iceland

A newborn boy stopped breathing suddenly, leading to a terrifying ordeal for his parents, Elías Andri and Súsanna Margrét. The couple believes that the presence of a helicopter in northern Iceland was crucial to saving their son, Óðinn Yngva Elíasson. The incident occurred during the busy merchant’s weekend when a midwife was visiting the family.

Súsanna recounted that during the home visit when Óðinn was just four days old, the midwife noticed the baby becoming limp in her arms after breastfeeding. Realizing he was unresponsive and not breathing, she quickly called for an ambulance. Given the distance to Akureyri Hospital—around 120 kilometers—and heavy traffic, time was of the essence.

In a distressed state, Súsanna accompanied Óðinn in the ambulance while her husband attempted to follow in his own vehicle. As the minutes ticked by, Óðinn’s condition deteriorated; he appeared lifeless and was turning pale. In a heartbreaking moment, Súsanna received a call from Elías, who was desperate for reassurance about their son’s condition.

Fortunately, a helicopter from the Coast Guard was available and flew to meet the ambulance, cutting travel time significantly. When personnel opened the ambulance doors to transfer Óðinn to the helicopter, they were overjoyed to hear him cry—a sign of life that filled them with relief.

After being assessed at the hospital, Óðinn was diagnosed with COVID-19, which can lead to breathing issues in newborns, and he was discharged four days later, healthy and thriving. This experience has deeply impacted Elías and Súsanna, reminding them of the fragility of life and the importance of being present for their children. They advocate for the establishment of a helicopter service in the region, emphasizing its potential to save lives.