Skip to main content
BBC NEWS / LINCOLNSHIRE
Graphics VersionBBC Sport Home
News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia | UK | Business | Health | Science & Environment | Technology | Entertainment | Also in the news | Have Your Say |
UK Contents:  England | Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales | UK Politics | Education | Magazine

14:13 GMT, Tuesday, 8 July 2008 15:13 UK

Ambulance 'loses way' to hospital

Kay Gadsby

Ambulance drivers are to get additional training after a vehicle got lost as it was taking a woman to hospital, who later died.

Kay Gadsby, 21, who suffered from heart and kidney problems, collapsed at a caravan in Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire, in May.

She was being taken to a hospital in Grimsby but the ambulance satellite-navigation failed along the way.

East Midlands Ambulance Service said

crews would get better training.

"I just can't believe that she's not here any more"
Georgina Gadsby

Ms Gadsby's parents, Georgina and Russell, from Trusthorpe in Lincolnshire, said the vehicle got lost several times.

"Because the driver didn't know where he was, the lady had to go up front.

"Kay was panicking and she kept saying 'I'm not going to die Mummy, am I?'

"It's just been horrendous. I just can't believe that she's not here any more," Mrs Gadsby said.

'Condition monitored'

Mr Gadsby said he set off in his own car and arrived at Grimsby 15 minutes before the ambulance despite having to stop for fuel. Kay died in hospital later that evening.

In a statement East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) said: "During the journey... the ambulance satellite navigation system failed and the driver, who usually operates in the Skegness area, took a wrong turn.

"This was realised and the crew member in the rear of the vehicle, who was familiar with the area, was able to direct the driver back on course.

"Throughout the journey to Grimsby hospital, Ms Gadsby's condition was monitored and our crew were ready to act should her condition have deteriorated before reaching hospital."

A spokesperson for East Midlands Ambulance Service said that while satellite navigations systems are helpful, the service has other systems to guide crews to hospitals quickly.




E-mail this to a friend

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
East Midlands Ambulance Service
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites



SEARCH BBC NEWS: 

News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia | UK | Business | Health | Science & Environment | Technology | Entertainment | Also in the news | Have Your Say |
UK Contents:  England | Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales | UK Politics | Education | Magazine

NewsWatch | Notes | Contact us | About BBC News | Profiles | History

^ Back to top | BBC Sport Home | BBC Homepage | Contact us | Help | ©