A tragic incident in Redcar, Yorkshire has highlighted the challenges faced during emergencies. Peter Coates, a loving grandfather, called 999 at around 4am on March 14, 2019, as he was struggling to breathe due to an oxygen tank failure caused by a power cut. Despite his desperate plea, it took more than 45 minutes for the ambulances to arrive.
In an unfortunate twist, a power outage jammed shut the electrical gates at the depot, trapping the emergency crew inside. Although assigned swiftly, they couldn’t reach Peter in time. By the time responders arrived, Peter had tragically passed away. The inquest revealed a second ambulance had been delayed en route, allegedly stopping to refuel.
Peter’s daughter, Kellie, remains deeply affected by the thought of her father’s last moments. She said, “If the ambulance had got there in the two minutes they should have, he would still be here today.” The family believes delays and lack of transparency concerning the incident contributed to the tragedy.
Medical experts testified about Peter’s reliance on his oxygen supply due to his chronic condition, noting the stress of reaching for a backup mask might have worsened his state. A doctor pointed out that it couldn’t be definitively said if the delay directly caused Peter’s death, suggesting he might have succumbed rapidly after the power failure.
This case was part of a whistleblower report in 2022, which highlighted the issues within the ambulance service and the alleged withholding of crucial information during the initial inquest. As this inquiry continues, Peter’s family hopes for a full understanding of the events and accountability where due.