Can I find out about a hospital admission?

74jax

This morning an old lady collapsed outside my house, I had to go over and help her son who, understandably just fell apart. She had no pulse and wasn't breathing to I did CPR until the paramedics came.

The paramedics called me over just as they were leaving to say they couldn't re-start her heart but they did have an electronic signal from her heart.

I don't know who she is, where she lives (obviously on my estate) or who her family are.

I'd really like to know how she is, if she pulled through or not.

3 weeks ago last Friday, I was in the unfortunate position of finding a very close friend and had to do CPR on him. We found him too late and he was already dead. I've not been sleeping well since I found him, and haven't dealt with it well at all. I think it must be so much worse when you know the person you are so desperately trying to save.

I feel I really need to know how this lady is, for my peace of mind (I don't mean that to sound I don't want to know how she is for any other reason, as obviously I wouldn't want anything to happen to anyone), I'd hate for another person in 3 weeks to have died in my arms.

I've tried calling the hospital number and the lady was ever so kind, and searched the time I think it was around, but as I live in Tyne & Wear the admissions are really high and without a name they couldn't give me any information.

Can anyone think of any suggestions? I don't want to appear the nosey neighbour, I do just want to know she's ok.

Artytarty

Aw, sorry I cant help but you sound upset and so kind!
thats really rough, having to do that twice in three weeks. I'm sure that whatever the outcome her son will always remember your help and kindness.

Lara44

Hugs 74jax

What a month you've had, I am so sorry to hear about your friend. It must have been a terrible shock.

I am not sure about the old lady - did the police attend? If so it might be easier to get in touch with them? Other than that the only thing I can think of is getting the details of the paramedics who attended, as they will remember the lady you're talking about.

I hope you're okay. If your interrupted sleep continues you might want to visit the Dr, there's lots of counselling, hypnotherapy that might help

Kay_Peel

If the unfortunate lady was dead on arrival, the death will be referred to the Coroner. It will be classed as a 'sudden death outdoors' and need to be investigated. Each police district has a Coroner's Officer (I'll give you the link below for Northumbria's).

It may be worth giving your Coroner's officer a ring. You are a material witness, but possibly no-one took your details. He or she may be grateful for your call (but I suspect that a post-mortem will show death by natural causes and there would be no need to bother you further.)

Just explain why you want the information. They are professional and sympathetic. They will be very busy on Tuesday morning, so I would leave it until Wednesday before calling:

http://www.northumbria.police.uk/about_us/organisation/departments/crime/coroners/index.asp

Let's hope she has pulled through and is on a ward.

Good luck!

MyRubyRed

Bless you love, both incidents must have been awful for you and I can well understand why the incident with the lady is causing you so much concern. I'm not sure though that the hospital would give you any info, even if you did know her name, as you aren't family? Maybe her she or her son, will seek you out to say thanks for your help. Maybe there'll be something in the Chronicle?? How old was the son?
xxxx

74jax

Unfortunately she died. The only information I have at the moment is from a friend who I know who lives ont he same estate as me. I asked if she had heard anything and she said she died shortly afterwards (i'm not sure if this is in the ambulance or hospital) but that she had only come out of hospital on the Friday before after having a heart attack. I have her name now but don't feel I should contact the hospital as I can't really say very much other than sorry to the family.

I can't actually believe this has happened again. It's something that doesn't happen in everyday life, well not to a normal passerby.

kat74

Gosh, Jax74 - I have no advice regarding the hospital admissions, I just wanted to say - what an amazing thing you can do. I can understand that you are worried and stressed. It sounds like you've had a difficult few weeks, but if you being there gave either of these people (or anyone in the future) a chance of survival, then that's an incredible thing :A.

City_Girl_2

Well done you for performing CPR until the Paramedics arrived, just sorry it wasn't better news for you or the lady's family.

You are a star.

CITY x

maysmummy

74jax wrote: »

Unfortunately she died. The only information I have at the moment is from a friend who I know who lives ont he same estate as me. I asked if she had heard anything and she said she died shortly afterwards (i'm not sure if this is in the ambulance or hospital) but that she had only come out of hospital on the Friday before after having a heart attack. I have her name now but don't feel I should contact the hospital as I can't really say very much other than sorry to the family.

I can't actually believe this has happened again. It's something that doesn't happen in everyday life, well not to a normal passerby.

So sorry that has happened to both you and the people you have tried to help:(. You did everything you could and have nothing to reproach yourself for. If either of the people were a relative of mine, I'd be glad that you were there. I'd hate to think that no-one tried to save my loved one.
MM

MyRubyRed

74jax wrote: »

Unfortunately she died. The only information I have at the moment is from a friend who I know who lives ont he same estate as me. I asked if she had heard anything and she said she died shortly afterwards (i'm not sure if this is in the ambulance or hospital) but that she had only come out of hospital on the Friday before after having a heart attack. I have her name now but don't feel I should contact the hospital as I can't really say very much other than sorry to the family.

I can't actually believe this has happened again. It's something that doesn't happen in everyday life, well not to a normal passerby.

You did all you could both times love.
It doesn't always work out but the main thing is you tried and you are obviously a very kind and caring person. Its very heartwarming to know that there are folk like you around, so whilst you couldn't perform miracles, please please be aware that youve made a difference to my day xxxxxxxxxxxx

downshifted

Well done for being there and trying to help. No one can ask for more. You are clearly a very caring person - do talk to someone about how you are feeling xx