SAMU refuses to take a woman with anxiety attack to the hospital in Campos
A woman in Campos dos Goytacazes suffered an anxiety attack and was not taken to the hospital by the emergency service, prompting family complaints about the response.
A woman experienced an anxiety attack on Friday, October 13, in Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil, and was reportedly not transported to the hospital by the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU) after an initial assessment. The incident occurred at her sister's store, where family members claim she convulsed and hit her head, raising serious concerns about the appropriateness of the medical response provided.
Family members recorded a video of the incident showing the woman lying on the ground while bystanders attempted to help her. Another clip reveals her thrashing on the floor, behavior typical of convulsions. Despite these alarming signs, SAMU staff reportedly diagnosed her condition as simply an anxiety attack and determined that hospital transport was unnecessary, a decision that has drawn criticism from family members who felt the situation warranted urgent medical care.
After the refusal from SAMU, the woman's family opted to take her to the hospital themselves. This incident raises important questions about the evaluation protocols of emergency medical services and the challenges faced by patients experiencing mental health crises. It highlights the need for better training and response strategies for first responders when dealing with psychological emergencies, ensuring that individuals receive the care they need promptly and effectively.