DOCTOR’S ERROR OF JUDGMENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 475, 3 October 1928, Page 13

DOCTOR’S ERROR OF JUDGMENT

DEATH OF MOTOR-CYCLIST Press Association PALMERSTON N., To-day. An inquest was held this morning respecting the death of Bernard Francis Spelman, aged 29, who was severely injured in an accident on the AshhurstRaumai Road when his motor-cycle skidded and threw him in front of an approaching cur, deceased dying lat.er in hospital. Dr. Forrest stated that deceased had severe injuries to the right femur and he was also suffering from shock. During the operation in hospital when the bones were set and witness was about to insert stitches in the face laceration of deceased, his breathing ceased. Artificial respiration and the usual remedies were applied unavailingly. Death was due mainly to shock, but no doubt the anaesthetic contributed in some small degree. It was probable that deceased would have died without the anaesthetic. Dr. Jordan, who gave the anaesthetic, said that after 20 minutes he became anxious concerning deceased’s condition, but thought it would be safe to proceed. Deceased stopped breathing after the bones were set. The coroner, in his verdict, said the circumstances would indicate it was purely an accident. The actual cause of death was shock following on severe injuries, accelerated by the administration of anaesthesia. The doctor administering the aesthetic made, he thought, an error of judgment in continuing in view of the fact that the patient’s condition gave him cause for anxiety, but according to the evidence there was severe shock which might have caused death, but to tliis end the anaesthetic contributed in a minor degree.