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Allergic Reaction Death: Coroner Can't Rule on Adrenaline Timing
20 Feb
Summary
- A coroner could not definitively say if earlier adrenaline would have saved the teen.
- The 17-year-old suffered anaphylaxis after eating a cashew-containing meal.
- Experts had differing opinions on whether the death was preventable.
A coroner has stated an inability to confirm whether a 17-year-old boy would have survived a severe allergic reaction had adrenaline been administered earlier. James Tsindos experienced anaphylaxis on May 27, 2021, following consumption of a meal containing cashews. His symptoms rapidly worsened after paramedics arrived and administered adrenaline.
Despite being transferred to hospital as a precaution, James' condition declined, and he entered cardiac arrest. Doctors attempted resuscitation, but life support was withdrawn two days later. An inquest heard that experts presented differing views on the prognosis, preventing the coroner from definitively concluding if James' death was preventable.
The coroner has recommended updates to anaphylaxis management guidelines. The family raised concerns that the cashew content of the meal was not clearly advertised, making it difficult for consumers to identify potential allergens.
