Man ran out of oxygen waiting for ambulance

Howard Tucker had a history of breathing problems and fell ill on 5 November 2022

Ambulance delays meant that a seriously ill patient ran out of oxygen while he was being treated by community first responders, an inquest has heard.

Howard Tucker, 65, from Rhyl had a history of breathing difficulties, and developed problems on 5 November, 2022.

A community first responder arrived quickly and gave him oxygen, but the supply ran out before paramedics could get there.

The Welsh Ambulance Service says it has changed the way it communicates with its community first responders to prevent future incidents.

Keith Jones was the first responder and spoke at an inquest into Mr Tucker's death on Monday.

Mr Jones did basic health checks on Mr Tucker and gave him oxygen as the levels in his blood were low, before reporting to ambulance control.

However, control told him that a paramedic crew was not immediately available as backup.

“Around 6:30pm, the oxygen ran out - Mr Tucker was struggling to breathe and talk,” he said.

“He put his hand out, as if to say ‘please could you help me’, but I felt helpless. He went into cardiac arrest.”

An ambulance arrived half an hour after the oxygen supply ran out, but paramedics were unable to save Mr Tucker.

Even if ambulance backup had arrived soon, consultant pathologist Mark Atkinson told the inquest, there was no guarantee Mr Tucker would have survived.

“He had COPD and profound pneumonia, and with other things going on, it’s likely he would have passed, even with additional oxygen supply,” he said.

Coroner Kate Robertson concluded Mr Tucker died of natural causes "when no available ambulance were able to provide additional treatment"

Jonathan Johnston, national volunteer manager with the Welsh Ambulance Service said community first responders now have more direct access to medical expertise - a change put in place as a result of Mr Tucker’s death.

“This is one example of the pressure that hospital delays are putting on our community volunteers,” he said.

Speaking after the hearing, Sharon Hunt, Mr Tucker’s partner said: “Keith was amazing.

“He did everything he could and kept me informed as he was trying to get backup.

“I miss Howard. He was my soulmate, and life without him is hard.”

Coroner Kate Robertson concluded Mr Tucker died of natural causes "when no available ambulance were able to provide additional treatment".