Could a Helicopter Have Saved Natasha Richardson?

March 21, 2009 | Hot Topics
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The province of Quebec lacks a medical helicopter system to airlift stricken patients to major trauma centers. Montreal's top head trauma doctor tells the AP that may have played a role in Richardson's death.

"It's impossible for me to comment specifically about her case, but what I could say is... driving to Mont Tremblant from the city (Montreal) is a 2 1/2-hour trip, and the closest trauma center is in the city. Our system isn't set up for traumas and doesn't match what's available in other Canadian cities, let alone in the States," said Tarek Razek, director of trauma services at McGill University Health Centre.

While Richardson's initial refusal of medical treatment cost her two hours, she also had to be driven to two hospitals. She didn't arrive at a specialized hospital in Montreal until about four hours after the second 911 call from her hotel room at the Mont Tremblant resort, according to a timeline published by Canada's The Globe and Mail newspaper.

After Richardson fell and hit her head on a beginners' ski slope at the Mont Tremblant resort, the first ambulance crew left after the actress was taken to the resort's on-site clinic.

A second 911 call was made two hours later. Medics tended to the 45-year-old for a half-hour before taking her to a hospital about a 40-minute drive away.

Centre Hospitalier Laurentien in Ste-Agathe does not specialize in head traumas, and Razek says her speedy transfer to Sacre Coeur Hospital in Montreal was critical.

"It's one of the classic presentations of head injuries, 'talking and dying,' where they may lose consciousness for a minute, but then feel fine," said Razek.

Richardson died Wednesday at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. The New York City medical examiner's office ruled her death an accident.

comments

I think we all would have done exactly what Richardson did, especially not knowing that the country didn’t have proper medical transportation. Americans take for granted what we have until it’s not there. It was a total fluke accident, but she has brought awareness to others who may be in the same situation. Even in death, Natasha is still an activist!

Amy N.
March 23, 2009

Oh David take a chill pill! This is a tragic story and I’m the first to point to personal responsibility. It happens to be a conservative value. You are right. She refused immediate medical treatment and she refused the helmet. The point is this - after having lived in that health care system - it sucks. Unless you’ve been left waiting in tragic circumstances for hours, you will never know or understand what I’m talking about. The truth uninsured Americans and illegals immigrants, in tragic circumstances, are not denied life saving treatment in the US. It is quick and efficient and it is why most people enter and stay in this country legally and illegally. I had a friend nearly loose his life last week after falling 70 feet. He is uninsured but the hospital gave him all of the services I would have been offered as an insured person. In fact, the hospital staff even offered to assist the family get medicaid to cover the costs. Nice, huh?

How would you feel if your significant other could have lived if more time efficient services had been offered? If a life-flight would have made the difference? That’s a reality - and that’s the fault of Canadian voters who chose to stay apathetic toward politics and rely on their government to make choices for them. Additional bureaucracy is not the answer - people’s right to choose is! I wish Natasha, Liam and their children would have had more choices.

That’s my point.

Amy
March 23, 2009

You do realize that the same accidents and outcome happens regularly in the States as well, right ? The first few minutes are crucial for (insignificant) head injuries. The fact that some use this massive media coverage to promote a system where 15% of their citizens are uninsured is pathetic.

Yes she was beautifull and all and my sympathy to the family. Fact is she wasn’t wearing an helmet (like many of us), she refused medical attention after she fell, and those accidents (and dethas) are common on both side of the border. So chill out instead of crying wolf.

David
March 22, 2009

Such a terrible tragedy which could have been avoided. People need to wear a helmet when they ski and they should not refuse medical treatment after an accident. This is the real story, not the difference in the US and Canadian medical systems. Of her own accord, she did not wear a helmet during a lesson and refusing treatment, went back to her hotel room after the accident. Several hours later her entourage realized she was in difficulty. It’s a terrible tragedy.

Ray
March 22, 2009

wow - horrible spelling! lol…

Amy
March 22, 2009

DAK - Come on bro…preach it! People really need to think about this issue. Canadian health is the model the states is looking at to implement here. As a former Canadian-refugee, I love American health care as is. It is top of the line, competative (so doctors stay on top of their game) and waiting-line-less. People may complain about the cost - but you can access it and are not denied services. Many people in Canada end up dying early due to long waiting lists, referral lists for specialists or an imability to get a second opinion. You are locked in, baby…and it bites.

Natasha, Liam and family - I am so sorry that you fell victim to a socialized medical system. I hope those who cared for her will take up the cause for fighting socialized health care.

Amy
March 22, 2009

Ms. Richardson had a classic closed head injury, standard practice for which is immediate and continuous monitoring of the neurological status for the purpose of detecting intracranial bleeding. A CT scan must be obtained immediately after the injury if there is the slightest suspicion of intracranial bleeding. The result of this test is available immediately and if bleeding is present Neurosurgery must be performed immediately - within the hour or sooner. Some cases of intracranial bleeding are so apparent from the neurological exam and so rapidly progressing that surgery must be performed without waiting for the CT Scan. EVERY MINUTE that is lost between the suspicion of intracranial bleeding (an epidural or subdural hematoma in which which are blood clots developing and enlarging on the surface of the brain beneath the skull) and surgery is associated with irreversible death of more brain tissue. If the blood is not removed within 2-4 hours the chance that the brain will be irreversibly damaged is very high. The sooner the surgery is performed the better is the chance that brain cells will not be killed by the rising pressure of the blood in the cranium and the resultant CNS hypoxia. These are the medical facts. SO, lets take our time and carefully analyze how well these RULES OF STANDARD MEDICAL PRACTICE were followed by Canada’s crack socialized medicine system which treated Ms. Richardson. Canadian Doctors can complain about the lack of air care ambulances in their country but IT IS THEIR FAULT FOR ALLOWING IDIOT BUREAUCRATS TO SUBJUGATE THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.

DAK
March 22, 2009

My heart and prayers are with Liam, their sons, her mother and sister during these difficult times. May your memories of Natasha get you through this difficult time.

Lisa Edwards
March 21, 2009

my heart goes out to natasha’s family…she was a beautiful woman and i loved all of her movies…i feel so bad…i lost my brother when he was only 38 and i know what a terrible loss this is…she didn’t deserve to die so young with 2 young sons…i know she will be missed but never forgotten…

arlene
March 21, 2009

Yeah, yeah…let’s blame the Canadian medical system! That’s the answer! Maybe it will scare people away from the idea of universal health-care. You do realize that’s what they have up there - Gov’t paid for care that’s not as “up-to-date” as ours.

Anonymous
March 21, 2009

I just wanted to say how sorry I am the Natashas family. We lost my mother in-law 4 yeas ago, in her case she passed out & quit breathing which caused her to be brain dead. My husband & I when we heard about what happend to Natasha felt that sting again. We are so sorry that this tradgedy occured & our prayers go out to Liam, their sons, & the rest of her family! You are all in our hearts!

Cat
March 21, 2009

Never wrote to one of these things, but have been great admirer of Natasha and Liam for many years. My heart aches for you, Liam, and your sons, her mother, sister and other family/friends.

My sister and I lost our father at ages 12 and 10. It hurts and changes a life. But it also strengthens bonds, especially for the two boys. Hold tight and the storm will eventually be calmed.

Liam, you are a fine actor and representative of Northern Ireland. We’re American-Irish and are proud of you, even in your mourning.

c.a. finney
March 21, 2009
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