Hot-headed son punches rescue unit for arriving late, father dies

In a tragic turn of events, a delayed response to a medical emergency by a rescue unit resulted in the untimely death of a bedridden patient in Bangkok. What began as a call for assistance swiftly escalated into a violent altercation when the son of the patient, frustrated by the tardiness of rescue personnel, physically assaulted a rescue officer.

Lumphini Police Station’s Deputy Chief of Investigation, Lieutenant Colonel Phanupong Chaiyakul, yesterday received reports from Erawan Medical Centre’s rescue officers regarding an unconscious patient at approximately 1.30pm.

An emergency rescue team was immediately dispatched to the eight-floor condominium located at Phatthanakan Road, Khlong Toei District, Bangkok.

Upon arrival, they encountered the son of the patient who was waiting to receive them. While waiting for the elevator to go upstairs, The rescue officer Somchai Klongchaeng, inquired about the patient’s condition with the son.

However, the son expressed dissatisfaction, hurling insults at the officer, before escalating to physical assault, punching Somchai several times in the face, causing injuries and bruises.

The son questioned why they were late and demanded to know why another team wasn’t sent.

Nearby residents intervened to stop the altercation. Subsequently, the son left to report the incident to the Lumpini Police Station for further legal action against the assailant.

Ambulance unavailable

According to Somchai’s statement, he was informed about the emergency by relatives of the patient, describing him as unconscious and unresponsive but still breathing. However, the ambulance in the area was unavailable, so the team had to opt for a standby vehicle located further away, taking almost half an hour to arrive.

Somchai further revealed that the relatives of the assailant claimed that he often exhibited similar aggressive behaviour due to mental health issues and a history of substance abuse.

Despite attempts by the assailant’s relatives to intervene and allow the medical team to assess the patient upstairs, the son’s continued belligerence prevented them from providing immediate assistance, fearing for their safety.

Eventually, volunteer medical personnel managed to reach the patient, only to find that he had already passed away.

Somchai emphasised that he only attempted to gather medical information and did not engage in any provocation. He remained confident in his ability to stay composed and communicate effectively.

Preliminary investigations have been conducted by the police, and the victim has been advised to undergo a medical examination at the Police Hospital. Further questioning is scheduled for today to proceed with legal actions, reported Daily News.