Sebastian, 64, from Pulparambu, was reportedly brought dead to the Amala Medical College Hospital, where he was sent from the District General Hospital.Thrissur: A critically-ill patient died for want of adequate oxygen in the cylinder provided in the emergency ambulance that was transporting him, his family claimed.
Sebastian, 64, from Pulparambu, was reportedly brought dead to the Amala Medical College Hospital, where he was sent from the District General Hospital.
Authorities at the District General Hospital admitted that oxygen was exhausted by the time the ambulance covered 2 km of the 10-km route. However, they have rejected the argument that Sebastian died due to the lack of oxygen in the ambulance cylinder.
Meanwhile, Amala Hospital authorities insisted he was dead on arrival.
Sebastian was gasping for breath when was admitted to the General Hospital on Saturday. He was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit around 12.25 pm on Tuesday. But as his condition was not improving, doctors decided to send him to Amala Hospital.
The patient became restless as the ambulance reached West Fort area after covering 2 km. The nursing assistant then told his relatives that oxygen in the cylinder had run out and they had to cover 8 km more to the destination.
General Hospital superintendent T P Sreedevi said Sebastian was critically ill. She said patients are normally transported after measuring the oxygen level in the blood. An inquiry will be conducted on what had really happened.
Sebastian's relatives said doctors had not given any indication that his life was at risk though they did say he was seriously ill. A complaint has been lodged with the East Police.
Sebastian is survived by his wife Tessy, son Ebin who is a physical trainer in Delhi, and daughter Sophie.
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