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Performing CPR for 25 minutes while waiting for ambulance

Posted By JoFo

"Performing CPR for 25 minutes while waiting for ambulance"

About: Northern Ireland Ambulance Service / Emergency ambulance response

(as a relative),

I called emergency services as my 32 year old sister collapsed at home at the start of August. I advised that she was unresponsive and had a history of having a stroke.

My sister stopped breathing and we were guided through CPR. It took 30 minutes for an ambulance to arrive, 25 of which we were performing CPR.

When we asked if there was an emergency response vehicle we were told that the operator couldn’t tell us that.

30 minutes for an ambulance for someone who wasn’t breathing - the nearest A&E is 25 mins away.

My sister passed away from her injuries.

I know everyone involved, operator, paramedics were doing the best they could in the circumstances they were in, but it’s not good enough.

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Responses

Response from Ruth McNamara, Assistant Director, Control & Communications, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service 3 years ago
Ruth McNamara
Assistant Director, Control & Communications,
Northern Ireland Ambulance Service

Submitted on 01/09/2020 at 12:56
Published on Care Opinion at 15:36

Hello my name is Ruth McNamara and I am the Assistant Director in our Control Centre in the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. We are truly sorry for the loss of your sister and wish to express our sincere condolences to you and your family. Thank you for providing feedback during such a painful time for you.

I would like to have the opportunity to discuss further with you, if you feel able to and when the time is right for you please contact me directly on 07796440872 or by contacting my assistant on 028 90400930. Ruth

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