Doctor’s Quick Thinking Saves Life as Ambulance Delayed in Remote Village
A recent medical emergency in the remote village of Andali has raised serious questions about ambulance response times. While a local doctor’s determined actions likely saved a patient’s life, the delayed arrival of emergency medical services has left a family seeking answers and demanding accountability.
A Desperate Situation and a Doctor’s Decisive Action
Several days ago, an elderly citizen of Andali fell critically ill, exhibiting dangerously low oxygen saturation levels – a clear indication of a serious medical crisis. Faced with this potentially life-threatening situation, Dr. Elena De Lazzari, the village’s family doctor, acted quickly and decisively. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, she wasted no time making critical choices, even securing an oxygen cylinder to aid the patient’s breathing.
A Troubling Delay: Emergency Services Arrive Hours Later
The 118 ambulance service was reportedly contacted at 8:45 am, underscoring the urgency of the situation. However, the ambulance did not arrive in Andali until 11:15 am – a staggering two and a half hours later. This delay, which could have had dire consequences in such a critical case, has understandably left the patient’s family deeply troubled.
Gratitude and Anger: A Daughter Speaks Out
“I thank you publicly, Dr. Elena De Lazzari,” said Anna Elia, the patient’s daughter. “I am grateful to her. If it weren’t for her, my dad wouldn’t be here. The doctor is an angel in a white coat. She has a unique professionalism, the result of empathy and skills. If everyone were like her, healthcare would be at the top. My father was very ill and had only her by his side, only the doctor, only our general practitioner.”
“It’s inconceivable,” she continued, her voice now infused with anger, “that an ambulance urgently requested in the morning at 8.45 arrives at its destination after two and a half hours. I remember also calling 112. I will file a complaint against the ASL for the delays in 118. I have already spoken to the Carabinieri, I just have to wait for the medical records, then I will do what I am promising. There is no doubt about this.”
Life in the Balance in Remote Villages
The incident highlights the critical challenges faced by residents of remote villages like Andali, where timely access to emergency medical care can be a matter of life and death. The nearest hospital is over 60 kilometers away, emphasizing the dire consequences even short delays can have in such situations.
What strategies can be implemented to improve ambulance response times in rural and remote areas?
## Interview with Dr. Elena De Lazzari
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. De Lazzari. Your quick thinking recently saved a life in Andali, but the situation highlighted a concerning issue with ambulance response times. Can you tell us more about what happened?
**Dr. De Lazzari:** Certainly. A beloved member of our community suffered a critical health crisis. Their oxygen levels plummeted, it was a scary situation. Knowing the ambulance could take a significant amount of time to arrive due to our remote location, I knew I had to act fast. Thankfully, we had an oxygen cylinder on hand, which I immediately administered.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the remote location of Andali playing a factor. Is this a common issue for your village?
**Dr. De Lazzari:** Sadly, yes. We are a rural community, and longer response times for emergency services are a reality we often face. As a doctor, it’s deeply concerning. While I am grateful that I was able to stabilize the patient, it shouldn’t have to be this way.
**Interviewer:** There’s a growing concern that delayed ambulance response times are tied to socioeconomic factors, particularly in rural areas. What are your thoughts on this?
**Dr. De Lazzari:** [1](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43999-024-00055-9) shows a clear correlation between slower response times and lower income areas, which unfortunately describes many rural communities like ours.
We need more resources allocated to ensure timely emergency care for everyone, regardless of where they live.
**Interviewer:** What can be done to address this issue?
**Dr. De Lazzari:** We need investment in our rural healthcare infrastructure. This could include more ambulances, better road access to remote areas, and potentially even telemedicine solutions.
The safety and well-being of rural residents like those in Andali depend on it.
**Interviewer:** Thank you Dr. De Lazzari for sharing your insights and for your dedication to your community.
