Elizabeth-Anne Gumbel QC represented Caren Paterson in her claim against the London Ambulance Service. Caren Paterson collapsed in her flat in 2007 and suffered abnormal breathing. An ambulance was immediately called but because the flat has been red flagged as high risk the Ambulance was ordered to wait for a Police escort.

By the time paramedics attended Ms Paterson, her brain had been starved of oxygen, causing permanent damage, and she had also suffered cardiac arrest.

Caren Paterson now suffers from chronic amnesia, confusion and disorientation with the result she will never work again.

A settlement has been agreed with the London Ambulance Service which includes a £1.4 million lump sum plus lifelong annual payments.

Philip Havers QC represented the London Ambulance Service.