On thursday 14th July 2016 my father who is 67 and retired had a collision on his bicycle with another cyclist that was texting whilst cycling.
Unfortunately he was thrown over the handlebars to eventually land on his back.
This happened around 1pm in the afternoon in Swindon, Wilts
The emergency services were called 3 times whilst he lay on the tarmac for over 45mins with intense chest pain and minor bleeding cuts and grazes, finding it difficult to breath.
No paramedic or ambulance arrived on scene and this is the 1st time in his life that he has ever had to call for emergency assistance. He also served 23 years in the British Army and worked all his life paying into the system never claiming 1 penny.
Fortunately he was spotted laying on the floor by Traffic Officers who swiftly drove him to the local hospital.
After x-rays he appears to have sustained 3 broken ribs, cuts and grazes all over legs and arms along with large bruised swellings.
I'm furious as he could have had a punctured lung, spinal damage, other broken bones etc. Luckily was wearing a cycle helmet. 5 broken spokes on front bicycle wheel and twisted frame can be replaced but a life can't.
Is this an acceptable level of service and have the emergency services failed him? Should I take this further and if so would greatly appreciate any information.
This could be you or I one day and might not be so lucky to make it in time to the hospital.
