I had to call for an ambulance as I experienced severe central chest pain. All questions were asked by the call taker, the call was coded and an ambulance dispatched.
Due to the current situation with ambulance response times caused by queuing at hospital, I called back requesting a timeline for arrival of the ambulance. This request was denied. Owing to the fact that I was unaware how long the ambulance would be and my chest pain was worsening, I decided to cancel and have a family member transport me to hospital.
The cause of my chest pain was total blockage of my right coronary artery.
As transport is very often the treatment required why was my request, which would have informed my decision, denied? Patients surely need to be fully informed regarding all aspects of their care. By not sharing information the care is not patient-centred.
On this occasion, the outcome was as best as it could have been, however, it could have been very different.
"Response time information would have helped me"
About: Scottish Ambulance Service / Ambulance Control Centre Scottish Ambulance Service Ambulance Control Centre EH12 9EB
Posted by Aquarious68 (as ),
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