In a case that has raised serious concerns about the treatment of patients by emergency services, an inquest in South Australia has brought to light multiple complaints against a paramedic who is accused of dismissing a patient's illness as 'man flu' shortly before the patient's death.

The patient, Hemant Chadha, an Indian national and father of two, tragically passed away from pneumonia in April 2020 after seeking help at emergency departments multiple times.

The inquest heard that paramedic Paul Vinar had been accused of being rude to patients, including Mr Chadha and allegedly told him he was overreacting with the ‘man flu’ and 'being naughty' in the days leading up to his death.

Paramedic Paul Vinar allegedly dismissed a patient's concerns before their death. Image source: Pexels

Mr Vinar, who was called twice to attend to Mr Chadha, denied using the term 'naughty'.

He claimed that he used the term 'man flu' to clarify the patient's condition to his wife, and not to suggest that Mr. Chadha was exaggerating his symptoms.

However, the court was informed that since 2011, six complaints have been lodged against Mr Vinar, contradicting his testimony that he had only received 'two or three' complaints throughout his career.

These complaints paint a picture of a paramedic who, according to some patients, made them feel as though they should not have called for help.

Mr Vinar admitted that the essence of several complaints was about him being rude, but he maintained that these incidents were 'taken out of context’.

One particularly concerning complaint from 2018 described Mr Vinar as 'rude and uncaring’.

He reportedly told a patient's wife that her husband could either wait for ages at the hospital or get the same advice from a paramedic and not go.

Mr Vinar defended his statement, explaining that it was related to the patient's specific medical condition and the expected wait time at the emergency department.

In another alarming instance from 2017, a nurse complained that Mr Vinar was 'short and abrupt' and insisted that a 90-year-old patient walk to an ambulance.

Mr Vinar's response to the court was that the patient was close to the door and the ambulance, and he suggested that the nurse's attitude may have contributed to a negative interaction.

The inquest also heard that Mr Vinar had discussed most of the complaints with a team leader and had attempted to 'alter what the issue was' after each one.

He acknowledged receiving feedback over his 33-year career on how to interact appropriately with patients.

In one case, Mr Vinar even apologised on behalf of his partner, who had allegedly told a nurse he was 'not interested in the patient's life history' and later reported his partner's behavior to a team leader.

This case highlights the critical importance of empathy, respect, and proper communication in healthcare, particularly in emergency services where patients are vulnerable and in need of compassionate care.

It also underscores the need for robust feedback mechanisms within healthcare systems to ensure that patient concerns are heard and addressed promptly.

Your health and well-being are of utmost importance, and you deserve to be treated with dignity and respect at all times.

The inquest into Mr Chadha's death continues, and it is hoped that it will shed further light on the circumstances leading to his untimely passing and lead to improvements in patient care.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr Chadha's family during this difficult time

Key Takeaways

• A paramedic named Paul Vinar was accused of being insensitive to patients, including telling Hemant Chadha he was overreacting with 'man flu' before his death from pneumonia.
• The South Australia coroner is conducting an inquest into Mr Chadha's death, reviewing multiple complaints against Mr Vinar.
• Mr. Vinar denied certain allegations but acknowledged he could be assertive and misinterpreted in high-tension situations.
• The court heard of several instances where patients felt mistreated by Mr Vinar, including an elderly patient purportedly told to walk to the ambulance.

Have you ever had an unpleasant experience with a healthcare provider? Share your stories in the comments below.

 

[Shane O'Neill]

He shouldn't have a job bloody pathetic will probably walk away with a slap on the wrist maggot

 

[Veggiepatch]

On the other hand, paramedics face the potential threat of a violent assault or death at the hands of patients, their partners or friends on a daily basis.

A bit of an aside but in 1974, a man was dragged from the surf at North Cronulla Beach unconscious. There were calls for help such as "anyone know mouth to mouth". A 14 year old friend said she did and took one look at the man and said "No....he's a w*g".

The man subsequently died on the way to Sutherland Hospital located at Caringbah.

 

[gamiry]

On the other hand, paramedics face the potential threat of a violent assault or death at the hands of patients, their partners or friends on a daily basis.

A bit of an aside but in 1974, a man was dragged from the surf at North Cronulla Beach unconscious. There were calls for help such as "anyone know mouth to mouth". A 14 year old friend said she did and took one look at the man and said "No....he's a w*g".

The man subsequently died on the way to Sutherland Hospital located at Caringbah.

unfortunately Veggie there are many medical and non medical people who are like this. I worked with some wonderful people but there are the "others" such as an uncle of mine during WW!! who was an ambulance driver in the Air Force. He was known as "Dr Death" because he thought he knew everything medical.