![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/man-dies-of-heart-attack-after-wife-calls-emergency-services-but-is-put-on-hold/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/1_912JPG.jpg&description=More than 38,000 emergency calls in Austin, Texas are having to wait two-and-a-half minutes on hold to speak to an emergency responder as the city battles with life-threatening job vacancies Man dies of heart attack after wife calls emergency services but is put on hold A man died of a heart attack after his distraught wife called emergency services but was placed on hold for 15 minutes. Tanya Gotcher was left devastated after coming home to find her husband Cassy slumped on their kitchen floor in Texas in May earlier this year. She immediately called 911 after suspecting he had suffered a heart attack but was put on hold for around 15-20 minutes. In that precious time her husband of 30 years was waiting for an ambulance he tragically passed away, Mrs Gotcher revealed to CBS Austin. She said: 'The phone just ringing, and ringing, and ringing. When you hear the phone ring for 15 minutes and you can't get to anybody to help you is the worst nightmare that you could have." The tragic story was revealed during a campaign ad for Travis County judge candidate Rupal Chaudhari as the state battles with chronic staff shortages. Image: FOX7) FOX7) Due to staffing shortage at the 911 emergency call centre in Austin there have been numerous incidents like Mr Gotcher's as the state battles a backlog of calls. Austin City Councillor Mackenzie Kelly revealed nearly half of the emergency call centres are under-staffed. In addition, out of the 75 operators needed there are only 19 currently in place, as the councillor confirmed callers were waiting on average two-and-a-half minutes to get through to a 911 emergency responder. According to the national average, 90% of calls should be answered within 15 seconds but only around 64% of calls in Austin were picked up in that time. There has been an urgent campaign, according to Austin Police Chief Joseph Chacon, to try and fill the roles including offering incentives to make the job more attractive. He said they wanted to raise wages and){kind=link}
More than 38,000 emergency calls in Austin, Texas are having to wait two-and-a-half minutes on hold to speak to an emergency responder as the city battles with life-threatening job vacancies
A man died of a heart attack after his distraught wife called emergency services but was placed on hold for 15 minutes.
Tanya Gotcher was left devastated after coming home to find her husband Cassy slumped on their kitchen floor in Texas in May earlier this year.
She immediately called 911 after suspecting he had suffered a heart attack but was put on hold for around 15-20 minutes.
In that precious time her husband of 30 years was waiting for an ambulance he tragically passed away, Mrs Gotcher revealed to CBS Austin.