May 2015 - case study 1
Date: 30 April 2015
- Details:
The complainant was concerned that an air ambulance was not called to convey her to hospital when she fell from her horse and injured her back. The complainant also felt that the crew inappropriately used the six wheel drive recovery vehicle to transport her to the ambulance.
- Findings:
Following a meeting with the complainant, an external investigation into the deployment of the air ambulance was commissioned and completed by a neighbouring ambulance service. It was found that the care delivered by the Trust was “prompt, appropriate and of a high standard”.
The Trust’s internal investigation also found that it was appropriate for the six wheel drive recovery vehicle to be used, although additional checks should have been taken.
- Lesson learnt / action taken:
- When using the six wheel drive recovery vehicle, one of the crew should have walked the route to ensure the vehicle avoided any obvious boulders which were not visible from the cab.
- Ensure the ambulance crew on scene are aware that the vehicle equipment is interchangeable.
- Date:29 April 2015