Paramedics were called to assist a 93-year-old army veteran after he suffered a fall in his bathroom, an incident featured on the Channel 4 programme 999: On the Front Line. The man's 96-year-old wife was left in tears, fearing for her husband's life.
Emergency call mistaken for cardiac arrest
The show's episode headed to Taunton, where the emergency was initially reported as a cardiac arrest, as his wife Sigrid believed he was not breathing. While driving to the house, Emergency ambulance associate Ellie said: "A cardiac arrest is the most serious call we can get."
Upon entering the home, the man, named Jimmy, was breathing but slumped between the toilet and bath. He initially told the crew to "b***er off" before they began trying to move him.
A logistical challenge for the crew
Paramedic Michelle and Ellie worked to move Jimmy forward to get him off the floor, which proved difficult. Michelle said: "He was in the most awkward position, next to the toilet, against the wall and the bath. I had to go in the bath, one leg in, one leg out, it was just a little bit of a logistical nightmare."
While they worked, Ellie spoke to Sigrid, who was overcome with emotion. In tears, she said: "He's all I've got. I've got nobody else in the world. I know you are the best people to call."
Concern for his wife
Jimmy did not remember how he fell, and Michelle noted the "really awkward" position he was in. Eventually, they managed to get him up, with Michelle adding: "I was very glad when we managed to get Jimmy off the floor. It wasn't easy, and he did almost pull me out of the bath, but we got there."
Despite his own condition, Jimmy expressed concern for his wife, saying: "I'm more worried about her than anything; she's 96." The couple had lived in their home for 63 years. Sigrid explained they had no family to bring her home from the hospital, but a neighbour would help.
A tragic outcome
Both were taken to hospital. Sigrid, who used to teach languages, spoke about how they met, saying: "He was one of my pupils, one of my students." Jimmy joked: "It was cheaper to marry her than pay for the lessons."
The episode concluded with the revelation that Jimmy died 17 days after going to hospital. A voiceover said: "His wife Sigrid was with him in the final days of his life." 999: On the Front Line is available to watch on Channel 4.
