An elderly couple has died after being thrown from an elevator in their North Queensland home
Emergency services were called to Ayr’s house around noon on Wednesday after the elevator malfunctioned and threw them on the concrete floor, a spokesperson for Queensland Ambulance said
The woman, 70, and her husband, 80, both suffered serious head injuries and were rushed to Townsville University Hospital, but could not be resuscitated
Police prepare report for coroner as they continue to investigate the tragedy alongside Workplace Health and Safety Queensland
National Seniors Australia’s lead advocate says that while mobility devices were generally safe, the risk of malfunctioning elevators and mobility devices, combined with more older people choosing to live at home, is a cause for concern
« This device, which may seem useful for going up and down stairs, has dangers, » Ian Henschke told ABC
« You have to be very careful with a device like this because some of them have the ability to lift the arm or the thigh, and therefore it is possible to fall off it
Henshke called on the elderly to live on the ground floor and encouraged families to think about the safety of their elderly relatives
« This is a problem especially in Queensland and North Queensland, where people are negotiating stairs
« If you are the parent, friend or family member of someone who uses one of these devices and they are very fragile, I think it is time for people to talk of their living conditions
« Occupational therapists, social workers and elder care assessment teams will look at these issues and may provide advice, » he said
Home Elevator, Elevator, Ayr, Queensland, Accident, Townsville
News from around the world – GB – Elderly Queensland couple killed in home elevator tragedy
SOURCE: https://www.w24news.com
