A harrowing triple zero call, during which a doctor reportedly received instructions on how to perform CPR, was played to a jury on the opening day of a manslaughter trial. Robyn Mary James, 67, has pleaded not guilty to the charge in connection with the death of Vicki Butler, 41, who died on December 27, 2017, hours after giving birth to her sixth child at her home in Ipswich, west of Brisbane.
Prosecutors allege Ms. Butler died from a postpartum hemorrhage that occurred between James's arrival at 5 a.m. and when an ambulance was called more than 90 minutes later. The triple zero call, made by James after the birth, was largely dominated by the emergency operator guiding James through CPR procedures as Ms. Butler lost consciousness. During the call, James identified herself as a friend of Ms. Butler, not her general practitioner.
Evidence presented in the Brisbane Supreme Court indicated that Ms. Butler's waters broke around 3 a.m., and she contacted James to report that something felt wrong. James arrived at the home approximately two hours later, by which time Ms. Butler and her newborn son appeared to be doing well. However, Ms. Butler's condition later deteriorated. The court heard that James did not bring her medical bag, which contained essential equipment like a stethoscope and blood pressure monitor.
When James eventually called for an ambulance at 6:42 a.m., Ms. Butler reportedly told her not to, stating she did not want to go to the hospital. By the time paramedics arrived at 6:50 a.m., Ms. Butler was found in the bath with the water running, not breathing, and exhibiting a faint pulse. Paramedics attempted to revive her before she was transported to Ipswich General Hospital. Despite efforts and 23 units of blood transfusion, doctors pronounced her dead at 6:15 p.m.
The jury was informed that Ms. Butler was at a higher risk for postpartum hemorrhage due to her age and the number of previous pregnancies. The newborn baby survived the incident.
Prosecutors allege James was criminally negligent by delaying the call for emergency medical assistance and failed to recognize the symptoms of postpartum hemorrhage and its potentially fatal consequences. The defense, however, urged the jury to consider the evidence with an open mind, emphasizing that the prosecution claims what James should have done rather than what she did.
The trial is ongoing before Justice Elizabeth Watson.