"Listen to relatives"

Before I begin, I want to say a big heartfelt thank you to all paramedics for the wonderful job you do. Over the years you have been exemplary in the care and compassion you have given us at trying times.

Recently a close relative of mine contracted both Covid and a chest infection, on top of already having COPD. As his oxygen readings were worrying low, I phoned 999. This was the second contact in a week, as his obs were fluctuating, dangerously at times.

After phoning 999, I was told I would be phoned back by a nurse. On the nurse phoning, I spent around 30 minutes pleading and arguing the case for an ambulance to attend. The main issue was that the nurse followed guidelines for someone with COPD, that being 88%-92% being acceptable. For my relative his normal finger oxygen readings are 98%, I had to argue the point continually that it is what is normal for the individual, their baseline, not some set standard (I have spoken to my GP about the incident and they agreed with me, it is what is normal for the person). The readings quoted by the nurse would mean my relative would be in serious trouble, even risk of death.

After much debate, an Ambulance arrives. The paramedic asks me why I took my relative's oxygen, stated people before died at home with Covid and said the medical equipment I used was probably cheap, which was proved wrong when tested against theirs, all said in a patronising manner. I told the paramedic that instead of coming into people's homes and talking to them like they are stupid, that instead I needed reassurance, I’m not medically qualified and am dealing with someone with serious health issues.

I asked the paramedic if  they could give me guidance for the future on when to seek help, they sarcastically quoted oxygen levels 88%-92%. I'm like, no my relative may have COPD, but his normal oxygen is 98. If my relative's oxygen was 88, he would most likely be at risk of death, respiratory arrest.

Listen to relatives, look at what is normal for a person. I fear lives could be lost through following set guidelines, bear in mind that I am totally backed up by a GP on this matter.