What happened:
A fire at the Durham Regional Hospital was caused when sparks ignited during a defibrillation procedure being performed on a critically ill patient. The procedure is typically used to deliver an electric shock to the heart to re-establish normal rhythm. A report on WISTV said the fire department is investigating the fire but have not yet announced the cause of the blaze.
The fire was contained in one room of Select Specialty Hospital, described as a separately licensed acute care facility that leases space from Durham Regional Hospital. Also injured in the fire were two Select Specialty employees and one employee of Duke University Health System. The medical examiner’s office will determine the cause of the patient’s death.
The North Carolina Injury Lawyer Perspective:
We go to the hospital when we are sick or injured in order to receive treatment. Reports say this patient was critically ill. People become critically ill every day, hearts stopping, the need for defibrillation, just like this man, but then they get better. They do not catch on fire from hospital equipment and die. They leave the hospital and go on to live happy and full lives with their families. Sadly, this man’s family will never get that opportunity.
Nothing will ever make up for the loss of this man to his family, but they should consult with a North Carolina malpractice attorney to make sure that someone is held accountable for their pain and loss.
Durham Regional Hospital, Durham, NC
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