Ambulance crew failings leave man in wheelchair

Press Release
15 June 2010

A grandfather who suffered horrific spinal injuries after paramedics failed to immobilise him following a fall is in line for compensation from North West Ambulance Service.

Claudius Grimes, aged 74, stumbled in the bedroom of his Greater Manchester home. As he fell forward, his chin caught the top of his grandchildrens' travel cot, causing serious neck injuries.

North West Ambulance Service has admitted a breach in its duty of care after paramedics who were called to the house failed to treat Mr Grimes with appropriate neck and spinal support. He told paramedics that he thought he had broken his neck but despite tests which showed he had low blood pressure and pulse rate, the ambulance crew sat him up, without giving him oxygen and without using a neck brace or spinal board, causing him to lose consciousness. He was then placed into a folding chair and carried downstairs.

Medical experts have said that while the initial fall did cause serious neck injuries, the actions of the attending paramedics, particularly sitting Mr Grimes in a chair without spinal protection, resulted in more severe damage to his spine. The retired engineer is now tetraplegic and in a wheelchair.

Clinical negligence specialist, Frank Pinch, of Stewarts Law, who is representing Mr Grimes, said: "The failings and negligence of the attending ambulance crew led to Mr Grimes suffering a much more serious injury than was originally sustained in the fall. If he had received the correct treatment, at the most crucial time, it is likely that he would be recovered enough to be able to walk short distances, manage his own personal care and go about normal daily activities. Instead, Mr Grimes has been left totally reliant on others to care for him after losing the use of all his limbs. His quality of life has diminished hugely as a result."

The incident happened in April 2006. Mr Pinch said bringing the claim had been made more complex because all documents relating to an internal review into the actions of the paramedics had been destroyed by North West Ambulance Service only 12 months afterwards. Only a single page Paramedic Patient Report Form and a partial computer printout seemed to remain. These were vague and contained ambiguous references as to whether Mr Grimes had any 'feeling' in his arms and legs after the accident.

"After initial difficulties the lawyers for the Ambulance Service are co-operating to try to bring the case to a final settlement in the autumn. Mr Grimes has received an interim payment. His courage and dignity are very impressive and his dedicated wife and family have made a tragic situation much more bearable. I hope that everyone involved can negotiate constructively to help Mr Grimes to have a secure and comfortable future." he added.

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