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Parents Begged Doctors to Stop Resuscitation
2 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Parents requested surgery halt during attempted resuscitation.
- Boy had Down's syndrome, autism, and ADHD; had prior heart condition.
- Inquest heard of chaotic conditions and alleged lack of care.
The parents of a 15-year-old boy, Antonio Galisi-Swallow, have shared their profound grief and recounted their desperate pleas to stop resuscitation efforts during his final moments. Antonio, who had Down's syndrome, autism, and ADHD, passed away on October 7, 2021, following surgery for a congenital heart defect.
An inquest at Wakefield Coroner's Court heard that Antonio's condition deteriorated rapidly after his pulmonary valve replacement surgery in September 2021. His mother expressed distress over the perceived lack of specialized care and chaotic environment in the pediatric intensive care unit, detailing concerns about private rooms and his specific needs.
Antonio's parents described a painful sequence of events leading to his death, including a high temperature and infection concerns, culminating in a desperate attempt at resuscitation that they asked to be stopped. They emphasized their wish for their son to have died with dignity, a wish they felt was not met.
