Finding into death of Veronica Campbell

23y · Female·complications of ruptured ectopic pregnancy with massive intra-abdominal haemorrhage

A 23-year-old woman with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy at a rural hospital required urgent transfer to a tertiary centre. The initial response was classified as routine, and the first ambulance crew arrived late without a MICA-trained paramedic. When deterioration occurred, a helicopter was appropriately activated, but significant delays resulted from communication confusion about landing sites, destination hospital uncertainty, and difficulties arranging ground crew at the destination. The patient was intubated during transport and became critically unwell with severe intra-abdominal haemorrhage. Key lessons include: classification of ectopic pregnancy cases should reflect criticality from the outset; initial triage and communication with receiving hospitals must be clear and timely; rural facilities need pre-agreed protocols for helicopter landings; dispatcher-clinical liaison must ensure destination clarity before patient transport; and adequate staffing levels are essential for emergency response.