Tragic Delay: 90-Year-Old Dies After Emergency Call Goes Unanswered for an Hour in Pombal

Emergency Response Crisis in Pombal

On Monday, a 90-year-old man fell ill at his home in Arnal, Pombal. His family called 112 around 4 PM, but after being informed that his call would be forwarded to a healthcare professional, they were left waiting for over 15 minutes with no response. Overall, they spent nearly an hour trying to contact INEM (the Portuguese emergency medical service) before the man tragically passed away.

This incident marks the ninth reported death linked to delays in emergency services recently, and the second in Pombal on the same day, following the death of a 53-year-old man who also received no medical assistance.

Series of Unanswered Calls

Initially, the family attempted to reach Saúde 24, but no one answered. After waiting, they called the Pombal Volunteer Firefighters, who, after dispatching a unit, also struggled to connect with the Urgent Patient Orientation Center (CODU). After 45 minutes, the elderly man lost consciousness. His family had to inform responders that he had already passed away by the time the firefighters arrived.

A Medical Emergency and Resuscitation Vehicle (VMER) from Leiria later arrived but could not revive him, officially declaring his death at the scene.

Increasing Emergency Call Volumes

The Pombal Volunteer Firefighters noted a surge in emergency calls on November 4th, coinciding with reported delays in 112 responses. The INEM has acknowledged a shortage of personnel to adequately manage the high volume of calls, which has been exacerbated by a strike among pre-hospital emergency technicians.

Investigations Underway

In light of these tragedies, the Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating five cases of alleged delays in emergency responses that have resulted in fatalities, including the recent cases in Pombal. The General Inspectorate of Health Activities (IGAS) is also reviewing these incidents to determine the circumstances surrounding them.

Urgent Reforms Needed

The recent spike in deaths attributed to emergency service delays has raised serious concerns about the capacity and efficiency of Portugal's emergency medical response system. With many cases occurring on the same day as labor strikes, the urgency for reforms in emergency services has never been more pressing.