A 28-minute delay in ambulance response resulted in the tragic death of a teen suffering from an asthma attack.
Despite resuscitation efforts by her family and paramedics, the girl died at home.
Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Dr. Vanessa Caldwell criticised the actions of the ambulance call-handler, Mr. C, for incorrectly recording critical details about the teen’s condition, which delayed the dispatch of an ambulance.
According to a report in legacy media, misinterpretations and human errors led to an inadequate initial triage categorisation, further delaying urgent medical assistance.
Caldwell condemned the dispatcher for judgment errors and inadequate staffing levels, calling for improvements and recommending Mr. C apologise to the family.
Image credit: Jake Espedido
NZ’s underfunded, stretched healthcare…its the politicians who owe the public an apology and substantially better funding…its our money they are mis-managing….
As someone with asthma too, my deepest sympathy to the family, what an awful thing to happen…….
It’s been reported: Ambulance delays have increased due to a rise in heart attacks. 🤔