Family Says Severe Chest Pain Was Ignored at Edmonton Hospital
A 44-year-old Indian-origin man, Prashant Sreekumar, died of an apparent cardiac arrest after waiting more than eight hours for medical attention at a hospital emergency room in Edmonton, Canada, his family said.
Prashant’s wife, Niharika Sreekumar, shared a video on social media describing her husband’s painful wait and blaming hospital staff for not responding promptly despite his constant complaints of severe chest pain.
Eight-Hour Wait at Emergency Room
The family said that on December 22, Prashant began experiencing sharp chest pain while at work in Edmonton and was driven by a client to Grey Nuns Community Hospital in southeast Edmonton.
He was checked in at triage around 12:20 pm and seated in the emergency waiting area. For hours, he complained of persistent pain and high blood pressure. His father, Kumar Sreekumar, said his son told staff his pain was “15 out of 10.”
An electrocardiogram (ECG) was performed, but medical staff told the family that nothing urgent was detected. During the long wait, he was reportedly given only Tylenol for pain relief.
Final Moments and Death
After waiting more than eight hours, Prashant was finally called into the treatment area. Seconds after sitting down, he suddenly collapsed, clutching his chest, the family said.
Nurses attempted resuscitation, but it was too late. He was pronounced dead from what appeared to be a cardiac arrest.
Prashant leaves behind his wife and three children, aged three, 10 and 14.
Family’s Reaction and Social Media Video
In the video that went viral, Niharika recounted the hours-long ordeal. She said her husband’s blood pressure was rising, yet he received minimal treatment while waiting in the triage area.
His father similarly recalled his son’s complaints of unbearable pain and the slow response by hospital staff.
Friends and community members described Prashant as a devoted husband and father and expressed shock over how long he had to wait despite clear distress.
Hospital Statement
Grey Nuns Community Hospital, operated by Covenant Health, declined to comment on specific patient care details. The organisation said the case is under review by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
In a statement, the hospital said it extends sympathy to the family and friends of the patient and reaffirmed that “the safety and care of our patients and staff” are priorities.
Questions Over Emergency Response
The incident has raised questions about emergency response times and triage practices in Canadian hospitals, especially regarding how patients with severe symptoms are prioritised.
Family and friends are seeking clarification on how a man with persistent severe chest pain could remain in a waiting area for so long without urgent intervention.
