Elderly Melbourne woman dies waiting almost three hours for paramedics
Updated . First published at
A woman in her late 90s has died after waiting almost three hours for paramedics to reach her home following a suspected fall.
She is believed to have collapsed at her property in Melbourne’s west around 4.30am on Friday. Her personal medical alarm activated, prompting a Triple Zero call.
A woman in her late 90s has died after waiting almost three hours for paramedics to reach her Melbourne home. Justin McManus
For two hours, emergency dispatchers made repeated, failed attempts to call a number tied to the medical alarm, as reported by The Age.
Paramedics reached the address about 7.30am but couldn’t get inside.
Fire Rescue Victoria crews forced entry and found the woman dead, before police attended the scene.
An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said the service had contacted the woman’s family and was examining the circumstances.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the patient’s family and loved ones during this very sad time.
“We have reached out to the patient’s family and are reviewing this case to fully understand the circumstances.
“Ambulance Victoria is committed to delivering the highest standards of care to every patient and continuously improving how we work with our emergency and healthcare partners to serve the Victorian community.”
A Triple Zero spokesperson said there were no delays in TZV answering or actioning the alarm company’s 000 call, which was answered within seconds and referred to Ambulance Victoria’s secondary triage services team.
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