An invalid beneficiary died from burns after he tried to
light a cigarette while connected to an oxygen supply,
Otago-Southland coroner David Crerar has found.
Patrick John Ferris (53), of Gore, died on August 14 in
Southland Hospital from burns, and inhalation injuries to his
throat and lungs. At home the previous day, connected to the
oxygen supply which assisted his breathing, Mr Ferris used a
cigarette lighter to try to light a cigarette.
''This created an immediate fire which caused the injuries
which proved fatal,'' Mr Crerar said in his written finding.
Mr Ferris, who was terminally ill, had been advised of the
risks of smoking while connected to oxygen.
Mr Crerar recommended a copy of his finding be sent to the
New Zealand Fire Service and to the Southern District Health
Board. While he made no criticism of the health board, he
sought to enlist its help in drawing to the attention of
relevant clinicians the danger to patients of smoking while
using supplied oxygen.
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.