Former Olympic coach left with ongoing damage after 36-hour hospital ordeal

Former Olympic coach Patrick Gemzik is left with lasting brain and eye damage after enduring a 36-hour hospital ordeal. His mother, a former registered nurse, watched her son's condition deteriorate while his concerns remained unaddressed. The family reported that Patrick suffered multiple seizures and stopped breathing during the delay, which began when he called an ambulance for a headache and light sensitivity.

It took four hours for an ambulance to arrive, and another 16 hours for a CT scan to be performed despite noticeable neurological symptoms. The Princess Alexandra Hospital ramped Patrick for four hours before transferring him to Metro South Health, where he underwent emergency surgery to remove a brain tumor. Patrick now experiences impaired vision and short-term memory loss.

Health Minister Tim Nicholls defended the medical care received by the Olympian, stating that both the Queensland Ambulance Service and Metro South handled the situation appropriately and compassionately. The Labor opposition questioned the government about reviews and an apology, emphasizing that 36 hours of inadequate care should never have occurred.