Family of Wirral man who died waiting for ambulance calling for change
The family of a Birkenhead man who died while waiting nearly 2 hours for an ambulance is calling for a change in the way that emergency calls are handled.
The family of a Birkenhead man who died while waiting nearly 2 hours for an ambulance is calling for a change in the way that emergency calls are handled.
24 year Ronald Volante suffered heart failure at sheltered accommodation in Prenton last November. He wrote a heartbreaking letter to his daughters saying that he loved them as he waited.
His family claimed that a case of miscommunication meant his calls for help weren't treated as a top priority.
They've now launched a petition calling on carers and emergency services to make sure they have any relevant medical information at all times to avoid similar tragedies.
Rita Cuthell from Ellesmere Port said: "I'm trying to get this out there. Its too late for my dad, but someone else may benefit"
"My dad's death was a tragedy, he didn't deserve to die the way he did. His death has highlighted the cost of low standards in some cases, I don't want anyone else to go through with this"
A North West Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “The Trust would like to express its sincere condolences to Mr Volante’s family during this difficult time.
“As identified during the inquest, the NWAS Emergency Medical Dispatcher was not informed at the time of the call of crucial information concerning Mr Volante’s condition, such as his previous medical history and that the patient was no longer responding. If this had been provided the call would have received an urgent ‘red’ priority which would have triggered an eight minute response from an ambulance crew.
“We are grateful for the Coroner’s helpful comments that reinforce the importance to provide accurate and relevant clinical details to emergency services when calling 999.”