A Riga woman was shot in the back while walking in Rītabuļļu forest but refused immediate transport to the hospital, leading to a controversial decision by Stradiņš hospital not to perform the surgery urgently.
The incident began on the afternoon of March 4, when a woman from Riga was unexpectedly shot in the back while taking a walk in Rītabuļļu forest. She reported not hearing the gunshot nor seeing anyone around at the time. Emergency services arrived and administered pain relief; however, the woman declined to be transported to the hospital, stating that she was in a state of shock and euphoric disbelief.
The situation escalated the following morning when the woman's back pain intensified, prompting her to call for emergency medical help again. This time, she was taken to Stradiņš hospital, where she underwent various assessments, including an MRI. Despite the apparent severity of her condition, the hospital staff concluded that the removal of the bullet did not require urgent action, leading to public scrutiny and a probe by the Health Inspectorate concerning the treatment she received amid her critical injury.
This incident has raised concerns among the public about the emergency medical response and the decision-making process of medical professionals. The Health Inspectorate's investigation will likely seek to clarify the circumstances surrounding the hospital's decision, highlighting the need for timely medical interventions in traumatic injury cases.
