A grandmother, Christine Faunch, tragically died from a ruptured spleen after an incident involving paramedics transferring her to an ambulance, an inquest has concluded. Whereas specialists imagine the spleen rupture doubtless occurred earlier than the autumn, the incident has prompted an apology from the ambulance service and a assessment of affected person switch protocols.
Paramedic Switch Incident and Subsequent Dying
Christine Faunch, a 75-year-old from Dover, was described as an “unbelievable girl” and the “coronary heart” of her household. Regardless of battling numerous medical circumstances, she remained cell and unbiased, having just lately returned from a cruise. Nevertheless, within the 5 days main as much as her loss of life on August 27, 2025, she had been feeling unwell, believed to be on account of a abdomen bug.
Her daughter, Donna, known as for an ambulance when Christine grew to become lightheaded and unable to go away her mattress. Upon arrival, paramedics discovered Christine experiencing dizziness, feeling scorching and clammy, and affected by an irregular heartbeat and really low blood strain. On account of her situation, it was determined she wanted to be taken to the hospital.
Paramedics encountered difficulties shifting Christine from her bed room because of the stretcher not becoming. She was initially moved to the hallway in a wheelchair, the place she misplaced consciousness. Earlier than she might be transferred onto the stretcher, she stopped respiratory. In an effort to expedite remedy, one paramedic famous a need to get her into the ambulance quickly. Throughout this hurried switch, solely the leg and waist straps of the stretcher had been secured, leaving her higher physique unrestrained.
The Fall and Accidents
Because the crew moved the stretcher exterior, Christine started experiencing seizure-like actions, attributed to an absence of oxygen. A paramedic described witnessing her lurch to the left and fall from the stretcher, hitting the concrete. The stretcher’s wheels additionally reportedly stored locking, making the switch tough. Each Donna and a neighbour witnessed Christine’s head strike the ambulance door and tools, leading to two lacerations to her brow.
As soon as contained in the ambulance, Christine regained consciousness. Though disoriented, she was capable of converse together with her daughter. She was transported to William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, the place her situation quickly deteriorated. Medical scans revealed a ruptured spleen and vital inside bleeding, main docs to tell the household that no additional medical intervention was doable.
Inquest Findings and Knowledgeable Opinions
A autopsy examination recognized a tear on the spleen capsule and two litres of blood. A big focus of the inquest was to find out if the autumn may have prompted the spleen harm, significantly as her left facet had impacted the stretcher’s edge.
Hematology marketing consultant Dr. Allameddine Allameddine supplied professional testimony, noting that Christine was taking Clopidogrel, a blood-thinning treatment, and had arterial calcification, which may result in simpler bleeding or vessel rupture. Dr. Allameddine acknowledged that the bleeding was doubtless progressive and that the general scientific image advised the hemorrhage occurred earlier than the autumn. He posited that whereas the autumn might need coincided with the rupture, it was extra possible that the bleeding started earlier, given how unwell Christine was previous to the incident.
One other professional, Dr. Magnus Nelson, an emergency drugs marketing consultant with the South East Coast Ambulance service (SECAmb), advised that prior trauma, probably resulting in the spleen situation, may have resulted from minor incidents like coughing, bumping into furnishings, and even shifting positions. Nevertheless, the household questioned this concept, as Christine had not reported any such incidents or displayed seen bruises earlier than the ambulance arrived.
Dr. Allameddine additionally acknowledged the likelihood {that a} tear might have already been current and bleeding, with the autumn then inflicting it to totally rupture.
Conclusion and Household Tribute
Coroner Katrina Hepburn finally dominated Christine Faunch’s loss of life as unintended. Following the inquest, the household launched a press release paying tribute to their “much-loved mom, grandmother, great-grandmother and good friend.” They described the previous yr as certainly one of their most tough durations, emphasizing Christine’s position because the “coronary heart of her household” – a form, caring, and devoted particular person whose loss is immeasurable.
Whereas the inquest’s conclusion couldn’t carry Christine again, the household expressed hope that it could enable them to maneuver ahead and rejoice her legacy. They conveyed that Christine would stay perpetually within the hearts of those that beloved her and is missed day by day. The household additionally prolonged their gratitude to mates, household, and the local people for his or her unwavering help, kindness, and compassion.
Ambulance Service Response and Security Evaluations
A spokesperson for SECAmb prolonged their deepest sympathies to Christine’s household and issued a proper apology for the failure to totally adhere to affected person switch protocols throughout her care. The service emphasised its dedication to affected person security, stating that an inside investigation had led to subsequent actions, together with reinforcing the significance of securing all stretcher straps with ambulance clinicians.
Joanne Turner, SECAmb’s interim chief nursing officer, knowledgeable the courtroom that the incident had triggered a complete assessment aimed toward stopping related accidents. She acknowledged that human error happens and that the main focus is on designing programs to mitigate such errors. Security enhancements carried out embrace a color-coding system for chest straps to reinforce usability and a requirement for stretchers to have pre-clipped straps, guaranteeing they’re refastened throughout affected person loading. These measures are meant to assist crews bear in mind to safe sufferers, even in high-stress conditions.
The ambulance service welcomed the Coroner’s acknowledgement of the steps taken to reduce dangers and help secure affected person transfers.
