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Inquest: Disconnected Oxygen Mask Used on Patient
7 May
Summary
- Paramedic believed patient was overreacting, not critically ill.
- Oxygen mask was given to the patient but was not connected to anything.
- Patient died from pulmonary embolism despite multiple medical interventions.
An inquest commenced on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Rochdale Coroner's Court, investigating the death of Clarissa, a University of Manchester graduate. Clarissa passed away on August 14, 2024, following a hospital visit on August 13, 2024. She was taken to A&E experiencing dizziness and feeling unwell.
A paramedic reportedly believed Clarissa was 'overreacting and having a panic attack' when she was handed over. At the hospital, she was given an oxygen mask that was not connected to any oxygen supply, with the staff nurse admitting this was an error but claiming it regulated her breathing. She was subsequently left in a corridor for approximately an hour, despite low blood oxygen levels and an elevated heart rate.
Clarissa's condition worsened, and she died hours later from a pulmonary embolism. The inquest heard that while a previous pulmonary embolism in 2017 did not require long-term anticoagulant medication, with hindsight, further testing might have been beneficial. However, the 2024 embolism was deemed unprovoked and not linked to the earlier event.
The inquest was scheduled to conclude on Friday, May 8, 2026.
