El Paso boy reunites with EMTs and hospital team after severe asthma attack

EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — A 9-year-old El Paso boy who survived a severe asthma attack last month was reunited this week with the first responders and health care team who helped save his life.

In recognition of Emergency Medical Services Week on Monday, Jayden and his mother, Sophia Strand, met with the emergency responders who cared for him and thanked them for their quick response.

Jayden, who was diagnosed with asthma at age 5, suffered a severe asthma attack in the early morning hours on April 7.

During Monday’s reunion, Strand recounted the moment she knew she had to call 911.

According to Strand, while Jayden had never experienced a serious asthma attack before, around 2 a.m. on April 7, Jayden began struggling to breathe.

While his parents tried to manage his symptoms using his inhaler and nebulizer treatments, his condition quickly worsened, leading to calling 911 and an ambulance crew providing lifesaving measures.

Paramedic Melissa Moreno, who met with Jayden on Monday for the first time since the incident, said she immediately recognized how serious Jayden’s condition was.

“The first thing that came to my mind was ‘load and go.’ There was no time to treat on scene. We needed to get him to the hospital,” Moreno said.

Jayden was then transported to El Paso Children’s Hospital Emergency Department, where his condition remained critical, according to Dr. Alfredo Maldonado.

“The patient got to us, knocking on death’s door. It took tremendous teamwork from everyone involved to stabilize him. Seeing him walking around today is truly a blessing,” Maldonado said.

Jayden was then stabilized and transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, where he continued receiving specialized pediatric care. Four days later, he was removed from life support and woke up responsive and improving.

“Thank you for not giving up. Thank you for working so hard on him and bringing him back to me,” Strand said.

Naomi Bastardo, director of the Emergency Department at El Paso Children’s Hospital, said access to specialized pediatric emergency care can be crucial in life-threatening situations.

“In situations where every second matters, having pediatric-trained physicians, nurses, protocols, and specialized equipment is vital,” Bastardo said. “These resources greatly improve outcomes for children in our community.”

First responders and health care leaders said they hope Jayden’s story reminds parents to trust their instincts and call for help quickly during a medical emergency.

“If you are ever in doubt, call 9-1-1,” Jose Anchondo, an EMT trainer with LIFE Ambulance, said. “That’s what we’re here for. There will always be trained professionals ready to help.”

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