A paramedic employed by the Scottish Ambulance Service received £6,500 in compensation after suffering injuries in an accident at work. Thompsons Solicitors Scotland pursued the claim after the worker was referred by his union following an incident involving faulty patient transport equipment in Edinburgh.
What happened
In March 2020, the paramedic and a colleague were called to assist a patient experiencing breathing difficulties at a first-floor flat in Longstone, Edinburgh. The building did not have a lift, and after assessing the patient it was decided that they required urgent hospital treatment.
Because the patient was unable to walk, the crew used an Ibex chair to transport them downstairs. This piece of equipment is standard in ambulances and is designed to move patients safely down staircases using caterpillar tracks and handles that allow two crew members to guide the chair.
The paramedics began transporting the patient down the stairs, with the claimant positioned at the back of the chair where most of the weight was carried, while his colleague guided the front.
Almost immediately, the colleague noticed something was wrong. Without warning, the chair suddenly veered sharply to the right. The chair, the patient and both paramedics fell down the stairs, coming to rest around ten steps below on a mid-stair landing.
The claimant briefly lost consciousness for approximately ten seconds. Despite this, both crew members prioritised the patient’s safety while waiting for another ambulance crew to arrive.
Injuries and Impact
While waiting for assistance, the paramedic realised he had suffered two cuts and pain in his right shin. He was taken to the Royal Edinburgh Infirmary for examination and treatment.
Medical assessment confirmed that he had sustained a wrist sprain and an abrasion to his leg. In the days following the incident he continued to experience pain and was left with a small scar on his leg.
He also experienced ongoing symptoms including headaches and situational anxiety.
What went wrong
Inspection of the Ibex chair after the incident revealed that a wheel had sheared off during use. This equipment failure caused the chair to veer to the right, resulting in the fall down the stairs.
Outcome
Thompsons’ specialist solicitors for accidents at work raised a personal injury claim against the Scottish Ambulance Service on behalf of the paramedic.
Although liability was not admitted, the defender indicated a willingness to settle the claim without prejudice.
Thompsons secured £6,500 compensation for the claimant, with settlement agreed on 1 August 2022.
What this case shows
This case highlights the risks emergency workers face when transporting patients and the importance of ensuring that equipment used in these situations is properly maintained and safe to operate.
It also demonstrates that when workplace equipment fails and causes injury, workers may be entitled to pursue compensation through specialist accident lawyers. Thompsons’ work in this case helped secure compensation for the injured paramedic following the accident.
Anyone injured in similar circumstances may wish to seek advice about making a claim, including through a No Win No Fee arrangement. For further guidance, you can contact Thompsons to discuss your situation.
