The East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) has declared a critical incident following a shocking case in Nottingham, where a man with a broken back was left waiting 18 hours for emergency assistance.
The service is facing 'extreme pressure' across the region, with soaring demand and significant delays at hospitals preventing crews from responding to new 999 calls. This has resulted in dangerously long waiting times for patients in urgent need.
A Night of Unimaginable Pain
The severity of the crisis was highlighted by the ordeal of Ben Thornbury. After a fall at home, Mr. Thornbury was left lying in agony on his floor, unable to move. Despite his partner's desperate 999 call, an ambulance did not arrive until the following afternoon.
His partner, Chloe, described the traumatic wait, stating she felt 'completely helpless' as she watched him suffer through the night without pain relief or medical attention.
System Under Strain
EMAS has attributed the delays to a combination of factors creating a perfect storm:
- Unprecedented Demand: A significant surge in 999 calls across the East Midlands.
- Hospital Handover Delays: Ambulance crews are stuck waiting for hours to transfer patients at A&E departments, making them unavailable for new emergencies.
- Staff Shortages: The immense pressure is exacerbating existing challenges within the service.
This incident has sparked serious concerns about patient safety and the sustainability of emergency medical services in the region.
Official Response and Apology
In response to the incident, EMAS has publicly apologised to Mr. Thornbury and his family. A spokesperson for the service acknowledged the unacceptable wait and confirmed that a critical incident had been declared to manage the extreme pressures.
The service is urging the public to use 999 only for life-threatening emergencies and to seek alternative help through NHS 111 online, GP services, or pharmacies for less critical conditions.
