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Coroner Calls for Better Fire Alerts After Fatal Home Blaze
14 Oct
Summary
- Elderly smoker with dementia died from smoke inhalation after home fire.
- Coroner warned Department of Health about flammable cream prescriptions.
- Monitored smoke alarms were installed after a fire service assessment.
A coroner has urged the Department of Health and Social Care to implement improved fire-risk alert systems following the tragic death of an 84-year-old man. Malcolm Campbell, who had dementia and a habit of smoking in bed, died on January 15, 2023, from smoke inhalation after a fire at his South Shields home the previous day.
Professionals, including carers and his GP, had identified Mr. Campbell as being at risk. A fire service assessment in November 2022 deemed him at high risk, unable to escape independently in case of a fire. Consequently, monitored smoke alarms and fire-retardant bedding were installed by the council.
On January 14, 2023, a fire began in his home. The council's monitoring service detected the alarm and attempted to contact him, but his responses were confused, leading to emergency services being alerted. He was resuscitated at the scene and transported to South Tyneside District General Hospital, where he passed away the next day.
Assistant coroner James Thompson highlighted concerns about Mr. Campbell being prescribed a flammable cream despite his known high-risk factors. His report emphasizes the critical need for enhanced fire safety measures and better coordination of information regarding such risks.
