Paramedic Stacey White shared her feelings of powerlessness while waiting with Bernard Anthony Skeffington, 89, outside the Royal Adelaide Hospital as his condition deteriorated. White described the urgent need for assistance for Mr. Skeffington, who eventually passed away from aspiration pneumonia after being transferred to comfort care following the incident outside the hospital.
During the court proceedings, Ms. White recounted the distressing moments she faced while ramped with Mr. Skeffington, including his worsening condition and the lack of immediate medical attention. She detailed the disturbing experience of being left alone with the patient as his health declined, with her attempts to draw attention by banging on the ambulance windows going unanswered by other paramedics nearby. The inquest is also looking into the deaths of two other patients, Anna Vincenza Panella and Graham Henry Jessett, who were similarly impacted by ambulance ramping at hospitals in South Australia. Witnesses like registered nurse Jenese Heywood have highlighted the challenges faced by healthcare professionals dealing with the consequences of ramping on patient care and the strain it puts on hospital resources.