Man found dead after waiting two hours for ambulance

A man was found dead in his Brisbane home two hours after he called for an ambulance and was told to make his own way to the hospital.

The 53-year-old Annerley man died on Saturday night, having called Triple Zero complaining of chest pain and shortness of breath.

He was categorised as a code IC, which 90 per cent of the time is seen to within 27.2 minutes.

However, the Queensland Ambulance Service called the man back and asked him if he could make his own way to the Princess Alexandra Hospital, as he lived three streets away.

The man lived alone and believed it was unsafe to drive in his condition, so declined.

When paramedics arrived more than two hours later, they found the man dead inside his home.

A review into his death is under way.

“The death of a patient is a tragedy and we extend our condolences to their family and loved ones,” a QAS spokesperson said.

Health Minister Tim Nicholls told Nine News the case, and another death this week of a man who was taken to hospital by ambulance, highlighted the pressure the health system is under.

“I extend my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of all impacted,” he said.

“Incident reviews are under way into both cases – as will always happen when these types of tragic events occur – to ensure all procedures and protocols were followed.”

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