Palliative Care Case Studies with the Palliative and End of Life Care Team

Today, we’re exploring some of the complexities of real-life
palliative care cases that frontline staff have faced in
practice. Joining me are four members of the London Ambulance
Service’s dedicated Palliative and End-of-Life Care Team: Karina
Catley, Natalie Nabunya, Rowena Rickson, and Jodie Grace.
Together, we’ll examine real-life case studies that illustrate
the unique challenges of caring for patients and their families
during their final moments.


From managing uncontrolled seizures in the community to
supporting a family’s cultural and spiritual wishes after death,
these stories highlight the difficulties of decision-making when
time is limited, documentation is incomplete, and emotions are
intense. Along the way, we’ll explore key principles such as the
doctrine of double effect, the role of shared decision-making,
and the importance of recognising dying in the field. We’ll also
discuss how clinicians can communicate compassionately, respect
cultural values, and navigate the legal and public health
frameworks that guide this care.


This is a conversation about dignity, humanity, and the privilege
of supporting people at the end of their lives, offering lessons
for all of us working in pre-hospital care.