Family to sue over ambulance wait

Relatives of a man who died after a heart attack in the street are preparing to sue the NHS, claiming he waited over an hour for an ambulance.

Paul Allen, 53, collapsed near Newark Market Place last month. A paramedic in a 4x4 vehicle got to him but a fully equipped ambulance was not available.

Mr Allen, from Kirkby-in-Ashfield, died from a cardiac arrest in hospital.

East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) said it had investigated the call and would release details to the family.

Mr Allen's family said when an ambulance did arrive at the scene, it was an unequipped minibus.

I wouldn't call an ambulance again, ever Daughter Kellie Allen

Widow Carol Allen said: "Even the people around us couldn't believe it. You think this is not really happening."

Daughter Kellie Allen said: "To ring 999 and not get an ambulance - what's the point? I can't see anything that's more urgent than having a heart attack in the middle of Newark.

"If myself or my family ever need an ambulance then I would rather get in the car and take my chances and drive myself there. I wouldn't call an ambulance again, ever."

An EMAS spokesperson said: "We extend our sympathies to the family of Mr Allen at this difficult time.

"We have now completed an investigation into our handling of the call and will contact Mr Allen's relatives to discuss the results.

"As such it is not appropriate to release further information to the media."

The family has now instructed solicitors.

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Paul Allen, 53, from Kirkby-in-Ashfield, died from a cardiac arrest in hospital