Is the healthcare system failing? Witness reveals man's agonising experience inside ambulance
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Health emergencies are no joke. These situations often tread a thin line between life and death, and time plays a significant role in the outcome.
An older man's plight recently cast a harsh light on the state of our healthcare system.
It raised serious questions about the efficiency and humanity of our medical services.
Bernard Anthony Skeffington, 89, endured a harrowing ordeal which began with a prolonged wait for an ambulance after dialling 000.
It took three hours and 42 minutes for help to arrive, a delay that is difficult to comprehend in a life-threatening situation.
Upon reaching the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Bernard was forced to stay in the ambulance for almost two hours due to 'ramping'—a term for patients left in ambulances outside hospitals due to the hospital's limited capacity.
Paramedic Stacey White's testimony at the inquest revealed the desperate measures she took to get help for Skeffington—which included banging the ambulance windows.
'It was clear to us he required urgent assistance. He vomited out of both nostrils and his mouth,' she said.
'The colour suggested a faecal vomit, which was an indication of a serious acute condition. There was a high risk Mr Skeffington might aspirate.'
Her feelings of powerlessness and distress were sobering reminders of the toll systemic failures can cause.
Four days after the incident, Skeffington succumbed due to aspiration pneumonia secondary to a small bowel obstruction.
The inquest is not only examining Bernard's case but also the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Anna Vincenza Panella, 76, and Graham Henry Jessett, 64, who also succumbed due to ambulance delays.
These cases are grim illustrations of broader issues in the healthcare system—including the controversial practice of ramping.
Former triage nurse Jenese Heywood cited ramping as a critical reason for leaving the healthcare profession, describing it as an 'everyday stressful experience'.
Deputy State Coroner Ian White invited Skeffington's son—a former nurse—to an inquest to provide statements to the court.
The statements acknowledged healthcare professionals' insights and those who have firsthand felt the impact of these tragedies.
The inquest, which started last week, will determine if the SA Ambulance Service or the individual hospitals are to blame for the unfortunate event.
Many of us experienced the anxiety of needing urgent medical care.
It's crucial to ask whether the healthcare system is meeting the needs of Australia's ageing population.
The ongoing inquest will shed light on these critical questions and lead to necessary reforms.
In the meantime, it's crucial to be aware of our rights when it comes to healthcare and to advocate for ourselves and our loved ones.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Skeffington family.
What changes do you think are needed to improve the healthcare system? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
An older man's plight recently cast a harsh light on the state of our healthcare system.
It raised serious questions about the efficiency and humanity of our medical services.
Bernard Anthony Skeffington, 89, endured a harrowing ordeal which began with a prolonged wait for an ambulance after dialling 000.
It took three hours and 42 minutes for help to arrive, a delay that is difficult to comprehend in a life-threatening situation.
Upon reaching the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Bernard was forced to stay in the ambulance for almost two hours due to 'ramping'—a term for patients left in ambulances outside hospitals due to the hospital's limited capacity.
Ambulances are emergency vehicles that should not be delayed at all costs. Image Credit: Pexels/Pavel Danilyuk
Paramedic Stacey White's testimony at the inquest revealed the desperate measures she took to get help for Skeffington—which included banging the ambulance windows.
'It was clear to us he required urgent assistance. He vomited out of both nostrils and his mouth,' she said.
'The colour suggested a faecal vomit, which was an indication of a serious acute condition. There was a high risk Mr Skeffington might aspirate.'
Her feelings of powerlessness and distress were sobering reminders of the toll systemic failures can cause.
Four days after the incident, Skeffington succumbed due to aspiration pneumonia secondary to a small bowel obstruction.
The inquest is not only examining Bernard's case but also the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Anna Vincenza Panella, 76, and Graham Henry Jessett, 64, who also succumbed due to ambulance delays.
These cases are grim illustrations of broader issues in the healthcare system—including the controversial practice of ramping.
Former triage nurse Jenese Heywood cited ramping as a critical reason for leaving the healthcare profession, describing it as an 'everyday stressful experience'.
Deputy State Coroner Ian White invited Skeffington's son—a former nurse—to an inquest to provide statements to the court.
The statements acknowledged healthcare professionals' insights and those who have firsthand felt the impact of these tragedies.
The inquest, which started last week, will determine if the SA Ambulance Service or the individual hospitals are to blame for the unfortunate event.
Many of us experienced the anxiety of needing urgent medical care.
It's crucial to ask whether the healthcare system is meeting the needs of Australia's ageing population.
The ongoing inquest will shed light on these critical questions and lead to necessary reforms.
In the meantime, it's crucial to be aware of our rights when it comes to healthcare and to advocate for ourselves and our loved ones.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Skeffington family.
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