Patient dies after overworked paramedics opt for a shift change, delaying treatment

    by: Alison Sandy
    From: The Courier-Mail
    January 02, 2013


A PATIENT has died after sick, tired and overworked paramedics opted to do a shift change instead of taking the patient straight to hospital.     :-?

Documents obtained by The Courier-Mail confirmed the incident.

The ambulance union says the case is another example of cracks in a desperately under-resourced system.

    Opinion: We can handle the truth, not the cover-up

The Department of Community Safety tried to cover up the incident, which revealed one paramedic was sick and both were fatigued after working past the end of their shift.     >:(


The Health Quality and Complaints Commission investigation found the chances of survival would have been greater if the patient had received hospital care sooner.

"QAS have acknowledged the care provided to (the patient) was below the expected standard, this was confirmed by the independent medical adviser," assessment officer Paul Rogers wrote on December 1, 2011.

"It is accepted that even if (the patient) was in a hospital setting at the time, (they) may not have survived. However, (their) chance of survival may have been greater."

Concerns were also raised as to why there was an attempt to "hot swap" the "fatigued" paramedics with the patient still on board, particularly when there was no crew to replace them.

Questions remain as to why this couldn't have been discovered earlier by using their radio before arriving for the crew swap with the patient still on board.

"The HQCC considers that QAS has taken reasonable and appropriate steps to avoid similar situations," Mr Rogers wrote.

In its clinical review, QAS acting medical director Ben Clarke admitted "a number of rostering reforms have occurred over recent years in an effort to control paramedic fatigue" including "hot swaps" and taxis to send them home at the end of significantly overrun shifts.

United Voice ambulance paramedic state councillor Craig Crawford said officer fatigue was still a big issue which had not been resolved.   

"Our crews in busy areas are still forced to work mostly 12 or more hours without any breaks," he said.    

"People who are fatigued will make mistakes (and) when you're a paramedic it's like a doctor, it means patients' lives."

The probe raised several other concerns including:

* Why the case was not Code 1, including the use of lights and sirens.

* Why the patient wasn't taken to hospital when they first called the night before.

* A perceived lack of courtesy towards the patient.

Dr Clarke apologised for any extra stress that may have been caused.

The Courier-Mail obtained the investigation report only after the department's decision to refuse access was overruled by the Office of the Information Commissioner.

But the DCS deleted information showing potential flaws in the emergency services and health system, such as how the patient died, what efforts were made to save the patient and how many hours it took to admit them to hospital.     :(

DCS also refused to name the hospital they were queued at or the one just five minutes from the station that they couldn't get into because it was on bypass.

When asked to comment on the case, a DCS spokeswoman denied any attempt at a cover-up.

Comments on this story


    Crikey of Brisbane Posted at 11:22 PM January 01, 2013

        Paramedics do such a vital job. They have had their shift break allowance taken off them and this was the main impetus in getting them a break during their 12 hour shift. If they had not been given a break after so many hours then they got paid time and a half or double time until they did. It wasn't meant as extra pay for them it was an incentive for the employers to ensure they got a break. They need to be looked after properly and appropriately. 8 hour shifts should be the norm not 12. Breaks need to be enforced. These people do such great jobs.     :(

    Comment
    fiscal repair of bris Posted at 11:26 PM January 01, 2013

        The tragic impact of Newman/Liberals "fiscal repairs"     :(

    Comment
    money penalty Posted at 11:29 PM January 01, 2013

        I wonder what would make the govt take notice of the impact of their cuts etc...Class actions, hordes of plaintiff lawyers suing the govt....Financial risk/penalty appears to be the answer.     :(

    Comment
    Charles Posted at 11:55 PM January 01, 2013

        If anyone believes that a Queensland Government instrument doesn't try to cover up anything and everything at every opportunity, they are kidding themselves.     :(

  

Newman is Labors best chance of winning the federal election  ;D

Can anyone tell me why after every labor gov is removed they leave behind massive debt?? somethings got to give??

Just heard NT is raising electricity by 30% same with water because the labor party left a monstrous debt??

woof woof wrote on Jan 2^nd, 2013 at 7:37pm:

Can anyone tell me why after every labor gov is removed they leave behind massive debt?? somethings got to give?? Just heard NT is raising electricity by 30% same with water because the labor party left a monstrous debt??

really woof woof? Based on who's say so? yours? or perhaps Costello's audit .... funny how O'Farrell suddenly discovered $1 BILLION had fallen behind the desk and no one noticed .... pity it was only 'discovered after he finished his slash and burn ... I'm betting Newman also finds mysterious monies in a yr or so ....

and try to stick to the facts every now and then. NT are hiking electricity and water to pay for the renewal of the power poles etc .... it's libs way of combating the effects of carbon tax .... if they increase prices enough the effects of  the carbon tax cease to have any impact ...

woof woof wrote on Jan 2^nd, 2013 at 7:37pm:

Can anyone tell me why after every labor gov is removed they leave behind massive debt?? somethings got to give?? Just heard NT is raising electricity by 30% same with water because the labor party left a monstrous debt??

Did you notice that QLD had very significant floods in virtually consecutive years? It cost the state billions with a significant part of Brisbane destroyed and many regions significantly damaged.

Still the current government have to be dishonest about the state of Qld trying to support this dishonest rubbish when even their own have admitted that it is untrue.

Just like in NSW where the opposition have announced a deficit but when audited we see that the broke NSW is in surplus and it happened before the Liberals had done anything.

You would need to be real gullible  to believe this carp from the lying Libs..

Mr Newman Are You Going To Sort This Out.

I would think it is beyond him, you can't fix it by sacking people.

campbell is single minded on growing the pie.

when the pie is grown, there will be more money for such services.

qld is on a war footing.

sacrifices today will lead to rewards tomorrow.

this is very hard to grasp for most other politicians in australia who turn it around to

"rewards today can be paid for by the sacrifices of tomorrow"

go campbell,  you are the man

aquascoot wrote on Jan 2^nd, 2013 at 8:44pm:

campbell is single minded on growing the pie. when the pie is grown, there will be more money for such services. qld is on a war footing. sacrifices today will lead to rewards tomorrow. this is very hard to grasp for most other politicians in australia who turn it around to "rewards today can be paid for by the sacrifices of tomorrow" go campbell,  you are the man

I wonder if you would feel that way if you or someone close to you needed a paramedic .....

Sick tired and overworked paramedics LOL, there is no such thing, if their job got any easier they would slip into a coma  ;D

aquascoot wrote on Jan 2^nd, 2013 at 8:44pm:

campbell is single minded on growing the pie. when the pie is grown, there will be more money for such services. qld is on a war footing. sacrifices today will lead to rewards tomorrow. this is very hard to grasp for most other politicians in australia who turn it around to "rewards today can be paid for by the sacrifices of tomorrow" go campbell,  you are the man

sacrifices today will lead to rewards tomorrow.

He is a Liberal - for workers sacrifice today will lead to even more sacrafice tomorrow, the select few will reap any benifit.

Dnarever wrote on Jan 2^nd, 2013 at 9:58pm:

aquascoot wrote on Jan 2nd, 2013 at 8:44pm: campbell is single minded on growing the pie. when the pie is grown, there will be more money for such services. qld is on a war footing. sacrifices today will lead to rewards tomorrow. this is very hard to grasp for most other politicians in australia who turn it around to "rewards today can be paid for by the sacrifices of tomorrow" go campbell,  you are the man sacrifices today will lead to rewards tomorrow. He is a Liberal - for workers sacrifice today will lead to even more sacrafice tomorrow, the select few will reap any benifit.

And the "select few" are those who are willing to get off their backsides and make an effort.

John Smith wrote on Jan 2^nd, 2013 at 8:20pm:

woof woof wrote on Jan 2nd, 2013 at 7:37pm: Can anyone tell me why after every labor gov is removed they leave behind massive debt?? somethings got to give?? Just heard NT is raising electricity by 30% same with water because the labor party left a monstrous debt?? really woof woof? Based on who's say so? yours? or perhaps Costello's audit .... funny how O'Farrell suddenly discovered $1 BILLION had fallen behind the desk and no one noticed .... pity it was only 'discovered after he finished his slash and burn ... I'm betting Newman also finds mysterious monies in a yr or so .... and try to stick to the facts every now and then. NT are hiking electricity and water to pay for the renewal of the power poles etc .... it's libs way of combating the effects of carbon tax .... if they increase prices enough the effects of  the carbon tax cease to have any impact ...

i thought he already found it - hows he building that slick new office?

SOB

aquascoot wrote on Jan 2^nd, 2013 at 8:44pm:

campbell is single minded on growing the pie. when the pie is grown, there will be more money for such services. qld is on a war footing. sacrifices today will lead to rewards tomorrow. this is very hard to grasp for most other politicians in australia who turn it around to "rewards today can be paid for by the sacrifices of tomorrow" go campbell,  you are the man

That person didnt choose to sacrifice their life for newman

SOB

Sir Spot of Borg wrote on Jan 3^rd, 2013 at 5:00am:

John Smith wrote on Jan 2nd, 2013 at 8:20pm: woof woof wrote on Jan 2nd, 2013 at 7:37pm: Can anyone tell me why after every labor gov is removed they leave behind massive debt?? somethings got to give?? Just heard NT is raising electricity by 30% same with water because the labor party left a monstrous debt?? really woof woof? Based on who's say so? yours? or perhaps Costello's audit .... funny how O'Farrell suddenly discovered $1 BILLION had fallen behind the desk and no one noticed .... pity it was only 'discovered after he finished his slash and burn ... I'm betting Newman also finds mysterious monies in a yr or so .... and try to stick to the facts every now and then. NT are hiking electricity and water to pay for the renewal of the power poles etc .... it's libs way of combating the effects of carbon tax .... if they increase prices enough the effects of  the carbon tax cease to have any impact ... i thought he already found it - hows he building that slick new office? SOB

Qld have been one of the benificiaries of the mining boom, As clive Palmer said Qld is in really good shape.

Newman is a typical nasty Liberal whoe's excuses for being mean are full of carp.

John Smith wrote on Jan 2^nd, 2013 at 8:20pm:

woof woof wrote on Jan 2nd, 2013 at 7:37pm: Can anyone tell me why after every labor gov is removed they leave behind massive debt?? somethings got to give?? Just heard NT is raising electricity by 30% same with water because the labor party left a monstrous debt?? really woof woof? Based on who's say so? yours? or perhaps Costello's audit .... funny how O'Farrell suddenly discovered $1 BILLION had fallen behind the desk and no one noticed .... pity it was only 'discovered after he finished his slash and burn ... I'm betting Newman also finds mysterious monies in a yr or so .... and try to stick to the facts every now and then. NT are hiking electricity and water to pay for the renewal of the power poles etc .... it's libs way of combating the effects of carbon tax .... if they increase prices enough the effects of  the carbon tax cease to have any impact ...

so your saying that labor govs don't leave a financial mess and massive defecit???

Is that what your saying?

woof woof wrote on Jan 3^rd, 2013 at 10:33am:

John Smith wrote on Jan 2nd, 2013 at 8:20pm: woof woof wrote on Jan 2nd, 2013 at 7:37pm: Can anyone tell me why after every labor gov is removed they leave behind massive debt?? somethings got to give?? Just heard NT is raising electricity by 30% same with water because the labor party left a monstrous debt?? really woof woof? Based on who's say so? yours? or perhaps Costello's audit .... funny how O'Farrell suddenly discovered $1 BILLION had fallen behind the desk and no one noticed .... pity it was only 'discovered after he finished his slash and burn ... I'm betting Newman also finds mysterious monies in a yr or so .... and try to stick to the facts every now and then. NT are hiking electricity and water to pay for the renewal of the power poles etc .... it's libs way of combating the effects of carbon tax .... if they increase prices enough the effects of  the carbon tax cease to have any impact ... so your saying that labor govs don't leave a financial mess and massive defecit??? Is that what your saying?

Hnn.. The outgoing Labor Governments in Victoria and WA left modest surpluses for the incoming Liberals.  In victoris, good ol "do nothing teddles' has turned that into a finacial blowout,  WA has had so many increases in everything it is becoming too expensive to live.  And if voter opinion is anything to go by, the CLP party in NT is now more despised than the Labor government it replaced.

And yes, Liberals do leave deficits - Howard left one for Hawkie to pay off.

woof woof wrote on Jan 3^rd, 2013 at 10:33am:

John Smith wrote on Jan 2nd, 2013 at 8:20pm: woof woof wrote on Jan 2nd, 2013 at 7:37pm: Can anyone tell me why after every labor gov is removed they leave behind massive debt?? somethings got to give?? Just heard NT is raising electricity by 30% same with water because the labor party left a monstrous debt?? really woof woof? Based on who's say so? yours? or perhaps Costello's audit .... funny how O'Farrell suddenly discovered $1 BILLION had fallen behind the desk and no one noticed .... pity it was only 'discovered after he finished his slash and burn ... I'm betting Newman also finds mysterious monies in a yr or so .... and try to stick to the facts every now and then. NT are hiking electricity and water to pay for the renewal of the power poles etc .... it's libs way of combating the effects of carbon tax .... if they increase prices enough the effects of  the carbon tax cease to have any impact ... so your saying that labor govs don't leave a financial mess and massive defecit??? Is that what your saying?

exactly what I'm saying ..... finally

[/size]
wrote on Jan 2^nd, 2013 at 7:18pm:

Patient dies after overworked paramedics opt for a shift change, delaying treatment     by: Alison Sandy     From: The Courier-Mail     January 02, 2013 A PATIENT has died after sick, tired and overworked paramedics opted to do a shift change instead of taking the patient straight to hospital.     :-? Documents obtained by The Courier-Mail confirmed the incident. The ambulance union says the case is another example of cracks in a desperately under-resourced system.     Opinion: We can handle the truth, not the cover-up The Department of Community Safety tried to cover up the incident, which revealed one paramedic was sick and both were fatigued after working past the end of their shift.     >:( The Health Quality and Complaints Commission investigation found the chances of survival would have been greater if the patient had received hospital care sooner. "QAS have acknowledged the care provided to (the patient) was below the expected standard, this was confirmed by the independent medical adviser," assessment officer Paul Rogers wrote on December 1, 2011. "It is accepted that even if (the patient) was in a hospital setting at the time, (they) may not have survived. However, (their) chance of survival may have been greater." Concerns were also raised as to why there was an attempt to "hot swap" the "fatigued" paramedics with the patient still on board, particularly when there was no crew to replace them. Questions remain as to why this couldn't have been discovered earlier by using their radio before arriving for the crew swap with the patient still on board. "The HQCC considers that QAS has taken reasonable and appropriate steps to avoid similar situations," Mr Rogers wrote. In its clinical review, QAS acting medical director Ben Clarke admitted "a number of rostering reforms have occurred over recent years in an effort to control paramedic fatigue" including "hot swaps" and taxis to send them home at the end of significantly overrun shifts. United Voice ambulance paramedic state councillor Craig Crawford said officer fatigue was still a big issue which had not been resolved.    "Our crews in busy areas are still forced to work mostly 12 or more hours without any breaks," he said.     "People who are fatigued will make mistakes (and) when you're a paramedic it's like a doctor, it means patients' lives." The probe raised several other concerns including: * Why the case was not Code 1, including the use of lights and sirens. * Why the patient wasn't taken to hospital when they first called the night before. * A perceived lack of courtesy towards the patient. Dr Clarke apologised for any extra stress that may have been caused. The Courier-Mail obtained the investigation report only after the department's decision to refuse access was overruled by the Office of the Information Commissioner. But the DCS deleted information showing potential flaws in the emergency services and health system, such as how the patient died, what efforts were made to save the patient and how many hours it took to admit them to hospital.     :( DCS also refused to name the hospital they were queued at or the one just five minutes from the station that they couldn't get into because it was on bypass. When asked to comment on the case, a DCS spokeswoman denied any attempt at a cover-up.

[size=16]CHECK THE DATE   ;)

woof woof wrote on Jan 3^rd, 2013 at 10:33am:

so your saying that labor govs don't leave a financial mess and massive defecit??? Is that what your saying?

You do understand thaty only 1 Liberal government ever left with a surplus and that required the most benign economic period in well over a century and even then they left the economy geared to fail in anything less than perfect economic conditions.

FRED. wrote on Jan 3^rd, 2013 at 11:13am:

[/size] wrote on Jan 2nd, 2013 at 7:18pm: Patient dies after overworked paramedics opt for a shift change, delaying treatment     by: Alison Sandy     From: The Courier-Mail     January 02, 2013 A PATIENT has died after sick, tired and overworked paramedics opted to do a shift change instead of taking the patient straight to hospital.     :-? Documents obtained by The Courier-Mail confirmed the incident. The ambulance union says the case is another example of cracks in a desperately under-resourced system.     Opinion: We can handle the truth, not the cover-up The Department of Community Safety tried to cover up the incident, which revealed one paramedic was sick and both were fatigued after working past the end of their shift.     >:( The Health Quality and Complaints Commission investigation found the chances of survival would have been greater if the patient had received hospital care sooner. "QAS have acknowledged the care provided to (the patient) was below the expected standard, this was confirmed by the independent medical adviser," assessment officer Paul Rogers wrote on December 1, 2011. "It is accepted that even if (the patient) was in a hospital setting at the time, (they) may not have survived. However, (their) chance of survival may have been greater." Concerns were also raised as to why there was an attempt to "hot swap" the "fatigued" paramedics with the patient still on board, particularly when there was no crew to replace them. Questions remain as to why this couldn't have been discovered earlier by using their radio before arriving for the crew swap with the patient still on board. "The HQCC considers that QAS has taken reasonable and appropriate steps to avoid similar situations," Mr Rogers wrote. In its clinical review, QAS acting medical director Ben Clarke admitted "a number of rostering reforms have occurred over recent years in an effort to control paramedic fatigue" including "hot swaps" and taxis to send them home at the end of significantly overrun shifts. United Voice ambulance paramedic state councillor Craig Crawford said officer fatigue was still a big issue which had not been resolved.    "Our crews in busy areas are still forced to work mostly 12 or more hours without any breaks," he said.     "People who are fatigued will make mistakes (and) when you're a paramedic it's like a doctor, it means patients' lives." The probe raised several other concerns including: * Why the case was not Code 1, including the use of lights and sirens. * Why the patient wasn't taken to hospital when they first called the night before. * A perceived lack of courtesy towards the patient. Dr Clarke apologised for any extra stress that may have been caused. The Courier-Mail obtained the investigation report only after the department's decision to refuse access was overruled by the Office of the Information Commissioner. But the DCS deleted information showing potential flaws in the emergency services and health system, such as how the patient died, what efforts were made to save the patient and how many hours it took to admit them to hospital.     :( DCS also refused to name the hospital they were queued at or the one just five minutes from the station that they couldn't get into because it was on bypass. When asked to comment on the case, a DCS spokeswoman denied any attempt at a cover-up. [size=14]CHECK THE DATE

So the numbers were too low before Newman cut them? Doesn't really make it look any better.