Mum dies in bed at home while waiting for ambulance that never turned up

A teenager in Australia endured what no son should last week, after tragically discovering his 'amazing' mother had died at home alone in her bed.

Melbourne mum Cath Groom, 51, had called an ambulance the evening prior after suffering severe chest pains.

She spoke to the emergency services around 10.30pm, who promised to send an ambulance to her property as soon as they could.

After waiting in agony for half-an-hour, an exhausted Groom cancelled the request for an emergency vehicle, which should have arrived within a period of 15 minutes.

She went to bed, hoping her symptoms would subside, but her teenage son discovered her body the following day.

Since Groom's death, Queensland Ambulance Service has apologised for not attending the property sooner.

Facebook

Commissioner Craig Emery told 9News: "We obviously should have done better in this set of circumstances, we have started a comprehensive review.

"We should be able to respond to somebody in that set of circumstances in a much more timely manner."

Queensland Ambulance Service has now launched a review into her death, after she was discovered by her son following what is believed to be a heart attack at her Forest Lake home at 9.28am on Saturday.

Another spokesperson has said: "Firstly the Queensland Ambulance Service's thoughts and condolences go out to the lady's family and friends.

"The QAS was experiencing a high level of demand for service at the time of the 000 calls.

"QAS is undertaking a comprehensive review of the clinical and operational aspects of this case as well as referring to the coroner."

The NHS recommends you call 999 and ask for an ambulance immediately if you suspect someone is suffering a heart attack.

Facebook

Among the several key symptoms to look out for, are chest and arm pains, as well as pain in other parts of your body, including the jaw and neck.

Feeling lightheaded, sweating, nausea and shortness of breath are also symptoms.

The deadly medical emergency is caused by the blood supply to the heart suddenly being blocked.

Groom's friends and family have been paying tribute to her since her untimely passing, including her sister, who wrote on social media: "Rest In Peace Sis, may you rest easy now with Dad and your life's love and husband."

Another pal referred to her as an 'amazing and genuine woman [who was] taken far too soon'.

"Cath, you're an amazing mother, woman and friend. Heaven is a greater place for having you," a third said.

Topics: Health, Australia, Parenting

Rhianna Benson

Rhianna is an Entertainment Journalist at LADbible Group, working across LADbible, UNILAD and Tyla. She has a Masters in News Journalism from the University of Salford and a Masters in Ancient History from the University of Edinburgh. She previously worked as a Celebrity Reporter for OK! and New Magazines, and as a TV Writer for Reach PLC.

@rhiannaBjourno