Diabetic teenager close to death in Goring
A TEENAGER said he could have died alone in a police cell because paramedics failed to realise he was a diabetic.
Gregor Jones was travelling on his motorcycle through Goring when he began to suffer a hypoglycaemic episode – caused by low blood sugar.
"All I can remember is stopping my bike in the middle of the road and feeling as though my diabetes was kicking in," said 17-year-old Gregor.
He was travelling along Goring Way, about to go over the railway bridge when he stopped in his tracks, unable to move.
Arrested
Gregor said: "I was moving in and out of consciousness but was aware traffic was building up behind me. The next thing I remember was an ambulance pulling up and paramedics got me off my bike.
"They didn't check me over, or ask if I was all right. Someone got me off my bike and left me on the side of the road. I couldn't move, or speak, it was like I was frozen."
Gregor said a police car then arrived and he was handcuffed and arrested.
"The paramedics obviously took one look at me and assumed I was not fit to drive, through drink or drugs because of the state I was in, and called the police "
"They didn't see the symptoms I was suffering and suspect I was a diabetic and they didn't check my wallet where I carry a card to warn people I am a diabetic."
Alert police
Gregor, of Larkspur Close, Littlehampton, was taken in a police car to the Worthing police headquarters at Centenary House, Durrington Lane.
Just as the police vehicle pulled up, Gregor managed to say he was a diabetic.
He said: "I remember sitting in the back of the car, I couldn't move my hands and I tried to move my mouth to speak but the words just wouldn't come out.
"I knew at that moment I had to try to communicate or I might go into a coma and die. I managed to spit out the words 'I'm a diabetic'."
Quick reaction
Quickly, police officers called for the assistance of a nurse from Centenary House, who gave Gregor energy tablets and a chocolate drink.
He said the police apologised, released him and phoned his family.
Gregor made a complaint to South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb).
He said: "It was such a shocking ordeal. I am astounded by the way the ambulance service treated me, surely they should be trained to deal with a diabetic?
"I carry a diabetic card because I thought it acts as a safeguard."
Gregor now has a wrist band to wear which he hopes will prove a more visible warning sign in future.
Ambulance service
A statement issued by South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust said: "Due to safety concerns, the police were called by staff in our control centre. A single responder arrived first to the scene and spoke with the patient, who was insisting people keep away.
"The trust takes all concerns raised by the public very seriously and, having been made aware of this case by the family, is currently looking into this matter on their behalf.
"However, while we are unable to comment in detail on this case until we have established exactly what happened, staff would only carry out tests, such as blood sugar tests, on a conscious and alert patient upon consent.
"The trust also does not expect staff to make a search of a conscious and alert person or their belongings without their permission."
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Weather for Worthing
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 3 C to 10 C
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