Tragic Delay: 60-Year-Old Dies in Algarve After Hour-Long Wait for Emergency Help

Emergency Response Crisis in Portugal

A 60-year-old man tragically lost his life after waiting for over an hour for emergency assistance in Olhão, Algarve. This incident highlights the serious deficiencies in the National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) response system, as two initial calls went unanswered before help was finally dispatched on the third attempt.

The emergency call was made at 11:03 AM, but the family struggled to connect with the emergency services. It wasn't until 11:27 AM that the emergency operations center (CODU) became aware of the situation. According to the President of the Union of Pre-Hospital Emergency Technicians, Rui Lázaro, the peak in calls that morning hindered timely responses.

The INEM later reported that the man suffered a cardiac arrest, and emergency medical teams arrived too late, leading to his death at the hospital. The INEM has launched an investigation into the incident, acknowledging a significant delay in response times.

Staffing Shortages at INEM

This incident underscores a long-standing issue within INEM: a severe shortage of emergency technicians. Currently, INEM operates with only 700 out of the 1,700 technicians required, leaving 800 positions unfilled. While INEM claims the shortfall is only 400, they admit to the staffing crisis.

The insufficient number of professionals has led to an alarming increase in call wait times and vehicle inoperability rates. In fact, over 80% of emergency vehicles in the Algarve have been reported inactive due to the lack of personnel.

Response Times and Future Reforms

The inoperability rate of emergency vehicles has risen to 1.77%, the highest in a decade, with the situation expected to worsen without significant reforms. Recruitment issues have plagued the organization, as only 30% of positions were filled in 2022. The current recruitment drive is anticipated to yield similar results, with fears that less than 25% of new positions will be filled.

The Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins, has expressed dissatisfaction with INEM's performance and has initiated a technical audit to assess their operational effectiveness. She aims to restructure INEM to better meet the emergency demands of the 21st century.

Conclusion

The tragic death of the man in Algarve serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for systemic improvements within Portugal's emergency response framework. Without significant changes, many more lives may be at risk.