A Norwegian hospital and emergency clinic failed to provide adequate medical care before a patient died of cardiac arrest. The patient initially contacted emergency services complaining of acute back pain.
The incident occurred at Innlandet Hospital and a municipal emergency clinic in eastern Norway. The patient first called emergency medical services about back pain. Staff transferred the call to the emergency clinic instead of sending an ambulance.
Clinic staff suggested pain relief and told the patient to call back if symptoms worsened. The patient later called again but could only respond to direct address. An ambulance was finally dispatched.
Medical crews arrived and found the patient in cardiac arrest three minutes later. Resuscitation efforts continued for nearly two hours before ending.
Norwegian government officials determined both medical facilities violated healthcare standards. They stated an ambulance should have been dispatched during the first contact. The emergency clinic's care was deemed insufficient.
The hospital has not commented publicly about the case. Municipal authorities say they are following standard procedures in their response.
This case highlights concerning gaps in Norway's emergency response system. Failing to send immediate assistance for a patient who later died represents a serious breakdown in medical judgment.