Biggs thought he had deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – a blood clot in a deep vein – after having an injection at Christchurch Outpatients Hospital the previous day to treat varicose veins in his legs.
Just after 1am on July 21, Biggs called 111 and spoke to a “medical person” who suggested he needed a blood test and an ambulance.
“I just wanted to confirm [the pain] was something that does happen, but he couldn't tell me. The suggestion was to get a blood test.”
Biggs thought the paramedic had arranged for an ambulance to come to his house, but this was not the case.