Hospital Defends Care for Kamphaengphet Staff Member Who Died
A 37-year-old Kamphaengphet Rajabhat University staff member died from pulmonary embolism at Kamphaengphet Hospital on August 17 after being transferred from a private facility with breathing difficulties. The hospital defended its emergenc
Questions about patient transfer standards have arisen following the sudden death of Wiraphat, 37, a Kamphaengphet Rajabhat University staff member known as "Ao," who died from pulmonary embolism at Kamphaengphet Hospital on August 17. Her family received her body to conduct religious rites at her home in Tambon Pradang, Amphoe Wang Chao, Kamphaengphet Province, amid grief from relatives and colleagues.
Family members and coworkers expressed understanding of her critical condition but remained concerned about delays in her transfer and pre-critical care. On August 16, she experienced dizziness, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing, leading to admission at a private hospital in Kamphaengphet, where oxygen levels were found at 88%, with heart rate at 125 beats per minute and a positive cardiac troponin test. The hospital referred her to Kamphaengphet Hospital.
On August 17 at 11:32 a.m., emergency room staff at Kamphaengphet Hospital took vital signs: body temperature 37.0°C, blood pressure 117/82 mmHg, heart rate 118 beats per minute, respiratory rate 22 breaths per minute, and oxygen saturation 91%. They performed blood tests, chest X-rays, oxygen therapy via mask and nasal cannula, IV fluids, and cross-matched blood. An obstetric specialist was consulted.
At 17:17 p.m., the obstetrician performed abdominal ultrasound and found a uterine fibroid but no abdominal fluid. Treatment included one unit of blood transfusion, nutritional supplements, pain relief, and bleeding control medication.
At 17:30 p.m., while the patient was urinating in bed, she experienced dizziness, fainting, and convulsions for approximately 30 seconds, followed by sweating, cold extremities, and heavy breathing. Blood pressure was 128/100 mmHg, pulse 90 beats per minute, and blood sugar measured 94 mg%. Oxygen was increased to 15 liters per minute, and an emergency CT scan was requested.
As her breathing worsened to 30 breaths per minute, doctors inserted an endotracheal tube. Her consciousness declined, blood pressure became unmeasurable, pulse increased to 135 beats per minute, and she was given medications to raise blood pressure. At 18:24 p.m., the patient died peacefully.
Family and coworkers later visited Kamphaengphet Hospital to inquire about the treatment process in detail. Dr. Sompheng Chokchaimuangwong, Deputy Director for Health Service Development and Support, and medical staff received them, expressed condolences, and provided a detailed treatment timeline.
