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'I thought she was dead' - doctors at scene of Parnell Sq stabbing 'just ran with things' in bid to save girl's life

Summary

A consultant testified in the Central Criminal Court that doctors 'went against protocols and just ran with things' as they tried to save the life of a five-year-old girl who had been stabbed in the heart on a Dublin city center street. Dr Michael Boyle described the scene where the girl was found with no pulse and grey skin. He and other doctors worked to stabilize her before transporting her to the hospital. The girl was taken to Temple St Hospital despite the lack of a cardiothoracic surgeon there. Dr Boyle said he believed the girl was dead when he saw her. The trial of Riad Bouchaker, who is accused of attempting to murder the girl and others, is ongoing. The doctors' quick actions were crucial in the girl's survival, and the case highlights the urgency and challenges faced in such emergency situations.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'I thought she was dead' - doctors at scene of Parnell Sq stabbing 'just ran with things' in bid to save girl's life. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• 2026-06-19 Publication

Why: He said they "went against protocols and just ran with things" because they wanted to act as quickly as possible. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report