Elderly Man Left Stranded for Seven Hours on Garden Centre Floor Awaiting Ambulance

Key Takeaways

• An 87-year-old man was left in severe pain with a swollen leg, unable to receive immediate medical attention
• All available ambulances had been re-routed to Glasgow, leaving the family without access to emergency services
• A paramedic suggested lifting the man into a car, which went against health and safety protocols and caused the man significant pain
• The family felt frustrated and helpless in their attempts to get the man the medical attention he needed

Introduction to the Situation
The situation at Craigend was dire, with an 87-year-old man in severe pain and unable to receive the medical attention he desperately needed. Ms Whitson, her husband, her father, and her brother had all arrived at the scene to try and help, but their efforts were hindered by the unavailability of ambulances. The man’s leg had swollen up badly, and even the slightest touch caused him to scream in pain. Despite the urgency of the situation, the family was told that all ambulances had been re-routed to Glasgow, leaving them without access to emergency services.

The Struggle to Get Medical Attention
As the hours ticked by, the family grew increasingly frustrated and helpless. They had been trying to get the man the medical attention he needed, but every attempt was met with obstacles. After two hours of waiting, they were still unable to get an ambulance to the scene. The paramedic on the phone suggested that they try lifting the man into a car, which would allow them to transport him to the hospital. However, this suggestion went against all health and safety protocols, and the family was hesitant to attempt it. As soon as they touched the man, he was screaming and crying with pain, making it clear that this was not a viable option.

The Emotional Toll on the Family
The experience was taking a significant emotional toll on the family, who felt frustrated and helpless in their attempts to get the man the medical attention he needed. Ms Whitson expressed her concerns, saying, "If an 87-year-old man was being left like this, what hope would anyone else have?" The family’s feelings of frustration and helplessness were exacerbated by the fact that they were being asked to take risks that went against their health and safety training. The situation was not only physically challenging but also emotionally draining, leaving the family feeling desperate and unsure of what to do.

The Bigger Picture
The situation at Craigend highlights a broader issue with the availability of emergency services, particularly in rural areas. The fact that all ambulances had been re-routed to Glasgow suggests that there may be a shortage of resources or a lack of planning in place to deal with emergency situations. This raises concerns about the ability of emergency services to respond to urgent situations in a timely and effective manner. The experience of the family at Craigend serves as a reminder of the importance of having adequate resources and planning in place to ensure that everyone has access to the medical attention they need, regardless of their location or circumstances.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the situation at Craigend was a distressing and frustrating experience for the family, who were unable to get the medical attention they needed for their loved one. The unavailability of ambulances and the suggestion to lift the man into a car against health and safety protocols only added to their distress. The experience highlights the need for adequate resources and planning to ensure that emergency services can respond to urgent situations in a timely and effective manner. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing the needs of vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly, who may be more susceptible to harm in emergency situations. By learning from this experience, we can work towards creating a more responsive and effective emergency services system that prioritizes the needs of all individuals, regardless of their location or circumstances.