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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

How long should I wait for an ambulance?

37 replies

UndertheCedartree · 13/12/2023 22:47

The situation is relative in supported accommodation. I spoke to him at 5pm and woke him up (first time awake that day), I then phoned again at 9pm. The staff member couldn't get a response from him and seemed to panic, said they'd call me back. So I phoned again at 9.30 - shift change had happened - I asked if he was ok. They said 'yes', I asked to speak to him and they said he was fast asleep. I queried this and they then told me an ambulance had been called. I live close by so came over to the house within 10 minutes. I was told they thought he had taken something, he hadn't had his night medication and he was foaming at the mouth. He was just in his room alone. Not surprising as there is only one member of staff on at night and other residents. But I'm not sure what to do? If they think he had taken something but they don't know what shouldn't he be seen asap? On the other hand he's not unconscious but seems very drowsy/sleepy for not having taken his night medication and only awake for a few hours?

OP posts:

Original poster

UndertheCedartree · 14/12/2023 00:13

I had to leave him with the ambulance crew as I needed to come home to my DC. I phoned A&E and he's been having tests no diagnosis as yet. I went from so angry to just so sad. He's been there almost a year now with this member of staff having been in charge numerous times. I dread to think what could have happened to him or one of the others. How can this person have been left in charge at night?

OP posts:

time4aNC · 14/12/2023 00:13

I’m assuming your relative is at hospital now. I hope all is ok and they get the treatment they need.

As soon as you can raise with a health professional you have safeguarding concerns due to this incident and that you are not happy for them to return. They will then do a safeguarding referral on your behalf.

My thoughts are with you and your relative OP x

Original poster

UndertheCedartree · 14/12/2023 00:16

time4aNC · 14/12/2023 00:13

I’m assuming your relative is at hospital now. I hope all is ok and they get the treatment they need.

My thoughts are with you and your relative OP x

Yes, he's in hospital now, thank you.

OP posts:

Original poster

UndertheCedartree · 14/12/2023 00:18

TiptoeTess · 14/12/2023 00:12

You’ve just got in as in… home?
Is he ok??

Yes, I got home. Relative is in hospital. He's having tests. I don't know of a diagnosis as of yet but at least he's in the right place now.

OP posts:

determinedtomakethiswork · 14/12/2023 00:22

It sounds as though you have saved your relative's life. I would be so angry at the care worker. They would've been happy to lie to you if you hadn't pushed it.

Andthereyougo · 14/12/2023 00:39

My God, I’m horrified that your vulnerable relative was left alone. There must be procedures in place to deal with emergencies and staff should follow them to the letter. I think you may well have saved your relative's life.
They’re in the safest place now , hope they’re ok and tomorrow heads should roll over this.

FortofPud · 14/12/2023 00:50

Can I gently suggest that you document everything that happened with as much detail as you can remember. The whole thing sounds terribly negligent/iffy and if any action needs taking you won't want to be relying on a fading memory.

OvertiredandConfused · 14/12/2023 13:35

The paramedics should do a safeguarding referral in these circumstances - not sure if you can check this was done?

FortofPud · 14/12/2023 16:03

How is your relative today? I hope they and you and doing ok.

thinkofanewusername · 14/12/2023 22:52

I hope he is OK. I would definitely follow up on the level of service he is receiving - you initially asked the staff if he was OK and they said yes?!! It was only when you probed that they eventually told you they had called for an ambulance. Assuming they are authorised to provide you with information about him (I assume they are given that they did eventually divulge it), why on earth didn't they mention that somewhat important fact following your first question, instead of telling you he was 'OK'? It sounds like the staff don't have a clue and didn't do anything like an effective handover when they changed shifts.
I'm not surprised you're angry, I'm not confrontational but I would be asking some serious questions over this.

lovinglaughingliving · 17/12/2023 00:27

Any update OP?!

Original poster

UndertheCedartree · 17/12/2023 10:49

It's been a bit of a whirlwind but it turned out relative had had a stroke! He's actually making a really good recovery so I'm feeling better today.

I spoke to his key worker the day after the incident and he took it really seriously. A formal complaint has been made.

It turns out that when the staff member knocked on his door they heard him fall. However, they got him back into bed and he seemed ok. As a precaution they called an ambulance. They handed this over to the night staff member.

It then seems the night staff member put 2 and 2 together and got 5, deciding he'd taken something and then not escalating to the ambulance when he became unresponsive.

OP posts:

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