Paramedic failings caused young woman to die from cardiac arrest
- 21.08.2017
- EmmaArnold
- Clinical-negligence, Clinical-negligence
A young woman who suffered a cardiac arrest died due to paramedic failings, according to report into her death.
Hayley Gascoigne, who was 32, didn't receive any medical treatment until four minutes after the paramedic arrived to the scene in the public waiting area at Hull Combined Court Centre.
The report, by Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, found her immediate care 'fell short of standards expected' and she was not immediately or accurately examined.
The Rapid Reponse Vehicle paramedic first at the scene failed to realise Hayley had a 'shockable' heart rhythm meaning he should have used a defibrillator.
Failing to use the defibrillator was the root cause of Hayley's death, according to the report, which also said how the ambulance paramedics who arrived later should have challenged the decision.
Had a defibrillator been used then Hayley's normal heart rhythm would have probably been restored.
Hannah Bottomley, clinical negligence solicitor at Potter Rees Dolan, said:
My deepest condolences go out to Hayley’s family at what must undoubtedly be a very difficult time for them. This story emphasizes the importance of patients receiving prompt treatment and care in all settings.
Here at Potter Rees Dolan, we act on behalf of families who have lost a loved one in circumstances where earlier intervention and treatment could have saved their lives. These cases are always tragic as families are grieving for those they have lost.
However, to have lost someone whose life could have been saved with proper care, can be even more difficult and I hope the Inquest process gives Hayley’s family the answers they no doubt want into what happened to her.
The report also found there was no public access defibrillator available in the building even though guidance from over a year ago states one must be available at all courts as soon as possible.
For more information on Inquests, visit our dedicated page on fatal accidents or read how we represented the family of a man who died whilst in hospital at the Inquest.
Hannah Bottomley is a clinical negligence solicitor with Potter Rees Dolan. Should you have any queries about the issues raised in this article and wish to speak with Hannah or any other member of the team please contact us on 0161 237 5888.