Apology from First Minister
First Minister John Swinney has expressed regret to a young footballer who endured a five-hour wait for an ambulance following a leg injury.
Brooke Paterson, a 19-year-old player for Linlithgow Rose, sustained her injury during a match against Cumbernauld United in North Lanarkshire on Sunday. The central midfielder from Bo’ness underwent surgery at Forth Valley Hospital.
Emergency Response Delays
During a session in parliament, Swinney issued an apology and acknowledged the distress caused by the delay. The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) also apologized, attributing the wait to high demand and problematic hospital turnaround times.
Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, highlighted the issue during First Minister’s Questions, revealing the ambulance call was misclassified, thus lacking the urgency it deserved. Swinney considered the mistake unacceptable and pledged to investigate further.
The Incident and Its Aftermath
Ms. Paterson explained that she was injured while competing for the ball during the match. “She went for a slide tackle, and I got the bad end of it,” she recounted. “I heard the snap and knew something had gone wrong.” Overwhelmed with pain, she struggled to communicate with those around her.
Teammates and spectators quickly came to her aid, but the ambulance service declared it was not a 999 emergency. “I kept waiting and growing increasingly upset,” she shared, describing the cold and discomfort as she waited on the ground.
A Call for Improvement
Reflecting on the SAS’s apology, Paterson voiced doubts, stating, “I don’t know if their apology is sufficient. It hasn’t resolved the issue of future delays.” Uncertain about her recovery timeline, she noted the persistent pain and fatigue while also expressing her determination to return to the sport she loves.
Despite facing substantial challenges, Paterson remains resolute, recalling her passion for football as a source of joy and motivation. “When I play, all my worries vanish,” she concluded.
SAS Response
A spokesperson for the SAS issued a formal apology, citing the numerous calls received for assistance, exacerbated by high demand that hampered their response time. They reiterated their commitment to improving service and invited Ms. Paterson or her family to reach out for a more thorough discussion regarding her experience.
