TRAGIC DEATHS
TWO BROTHERB IN AUSTRALIA ADMINISTRATION OF A DRUG PUBLIC INTEREST MANIFESTED United Press A«sn.— Elec. Tel. Copyright SYDNEY, May 11 Considerable public interest is being taken In the tragic deaths at Burwood of Edward Cobhan. aged 15, and his brother, James Cobban, aged 13, after a drug had been given them preparatory to an operation upon the tonsils. Detectives ascertained that paraldehyde had been administered by a nurse, but no anaesthetic was given. The boys became unconscious and died during the night in spite of untiring efforts to save them. An analysis of the drug has been ordered.
Paraldehyde is in common use as a sedative in modern medical practice and is regarded as a safe drug to use provided simple precautions are observed as to the amount administered. Tins information was given last night by an Auckland doctor. Dosage is regulated according to the weight of the patient, about a teaspoon per stone being the usual amount prescribed. It is reported that serious consequences have resulted in the past from a nurse’s mistake in administering a. tablespoon of the drug instead of a teaspoon. Such an overdose could have fatal results.
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Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20496, 12 May 1938, Page 9
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194TRAGIC DEATHS Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20496, 12 May 1938, Page 9
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