Bangkok: Ekkapop Lueangprasert, founder of the "Sai Mai Must Survive" Facebook page, has highlighted a troubling incident involving a stroke patient who was taken to a police station before receiving necessary medical treatment. This incident has raised concerns regarding the procedures followed by authorities, as the patient's family seeks justice through the "Sai Mai Must Survive" platform.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident unfolded around 3:00 AM when a fruit transporter experienced stroke-like symptoms, feeling weakness in his arms and legs. He managed to park his vehicle at a gas station in Bang Pahan, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, and sought help to unload his fruit baskets. Despite his condition, he slowly drove into the gas station and accidentally sideswiped a parked motorcycle. Mistaken for intoxication, gas station employees called the police when he fell after exiting his vehicle. When officers arrived at 4:00 AM, the patient was unable to articulate his condition, a common issue for stroke victims. CCTV footage revealed his attempt to signal distress using an SOS hand signal, but immediate help was not provided.
Mr. Ekkapop recounted that the police, suspecting him of being a drunk driver, handcuffed the patient and transported him to the police station. It was only upon arrival that an officer recognized the patient's illness, leading to his transfer to a hospital. The delay from the initial encounter to hospital admission spanned roughly an hour, whereas the hospital was merely a few minutes away. This has prompted the family to question if a critical window for treatment was missed, as timely intervention is crucial for stroke recovery.
Mr. Ekkapop emphasized that when encountering individuals with limb weakness and speech difficulties, authorities should assume a medical emergency and prioritize hospital transport. He noted that if intoxication is confirmed later, legal measures can still be pursued, but immediate medical response is vital for potentially saving a life.
The "Sai Mai Must Survive" page has initiated a legal review of the incident, examining CCTV, witness accounts, and medical records to determine any misconduct and potential legal actions.
The patient's condition remains dire, with relatives disclosing that he is in the ICU, critically ill, with doctors advising them to prepare for the worst due to prolonged brain bleeding before receiving care.
Mr. Ekkapop concluded with a call for cooperation among police, emergency services, and hospitals to establish protocols prioritizing life-saving measures in similar situations, aiming to prevent future tragedies.