Dozens of stings in a matter of seconds , her body swelling, her breathing prone to stopping at any moment. This is what happened yesterday afternoon to Rosangela Brandonisio, attacked by a swarm of wasps while walking her dog in Piazza Santa Greca in Decimomannu.
The one who saved her from danger was a doctor who happened to be there : Andrea Carta, 34, a specialist in anesthesia and resuscitation and now working at the Santissima Trinità hospital in Cagliari.
"I recently moved and live right across the street from the square," he says. "My partner and I were at home when we heard screams. At first we thought it was a dog fight, but then I saw several people running. I didn't think twice and ran out into the street."
In front of him was Rosangela Brandonisio, stung by hundreds of wasps, "from head to legs", in a panic and terrified for her little dog .
"Given my job, I always carry my medication bag with me," Carta explains. "I performed an IV and immediately administered antihistamines and corticosteroids. Her parameters were good: she was agitated, but hemodynamically stable and breathing well. I had the adrenaline ready in the fridge."
An improvised but decisive intervention, performed with the resources he had available . "I didn't have a kit, so it was a matter of luck," admits the doctor. "I identified myself immediately and acted as I would in the hospital. Nothing extraordinary for someone in this profession, but for the lady it could have made a difference."
And while he was caring for Rosangela, Carta also worried about the little four-legged friend: "I called a veterinarian friend to ask what to do, in case he needed medication. Luckily, he was fine and was able to stay with his owner until he was taken to the ambulance."
The woman was taken to the emergency room by 118 and is now out of danger . Carta didn't even have time to exchange a phone number with her, but he issues a warning: "This year we're seeing a huge number of cases of wasp stings. This is already the umpteenth incident reported among colleagues. Be careful: don't underestimate these insects."