A dad suffering from a heart attack claims a 999 operator advised him to have “a glass of water and go to hospital ”.
Mark Burden, 52, began to get pains in his arms and dizziness while partner Michelle was walking their dog.
He said son Harry rang 999 and described the symptoms but was told: “We are very busy so give him a glass of water and ask him to make his own way to Bradford Royal Infirmary.”
Michelle returned and got him to hospital over half an hour later.
Mark had a rare type of attack called a spontaneous coronary artery dissection on December 29.
He was quickly transferred to Leeds General Infirmary to have a stent fitted and is now recovering.
The scrap metal buyer, of Baildon, West Yorks, said the delay could have “cost him his life”, adding: “It was all the more scary because an ambulance wasn’t available. They let me down.
“A heart attack is a category one emergency, an ambulance should have been sent.”
He added: “When we told the people at the hospital the advice we were given, they were shocked.”
Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust said: “Like all other ambulance services, we have been experiencing significant operational pressures.
“Whilst our dedicated staff are doing their best to respond as quickly as possible to all emergencies, we acknowledge some patients are having to wait longer.”
