DEATH UNDER CHLOROFORM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18381, 23 April 1923, Page 9

DEATH UNDER CHLOROFORM

BOY IN DENTIST'S CHAIR.

EVIDENCE AT INQUEST. [BY ' TELEGRAPH.OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WHANGAKEI. Sunday., An inquest was held yesterday afternoon concerning the • death of Laurence Griffiths, aged five, which occurred on Friday afternoon, after the child had had four . teeth extracted. Evidence was given showing' that he was taken to - a dental surgery by his mother, who approved of the extractions taking place under chloroform.

Dr. J. G. Campbell, who was called in to administer the anaesthetic, said he was informed by the nurse that the usual inquiries had been made, and that the mother had stated the boy had only had a little light lunch at about 12 o'clock. Witness examined the patient, and found the lungs and heart normal. He proceeded to administer the chloroform at about 2.30 p.m. The progress of the case was quite normal, and the extractions were about to take place when the patient was violently ill. Subsequently,- his breathing became free again, and, as the operation was quite simple, the doctor said he considered there would be no danger in proceeding with the extractions. These were speedily effected, the patient breathing in* a normal manner for some time thereafter. When his breathing was interrupted, the nurse immediately summoned the doctor, who had retired to wash his hands. The latter used compression on' the chest and normal breathing ensued, but later became weak. Dr. Camnbell summoned the assistance of Dr. G. Walker, who came in three minutes. Both medical men continued artificial respiration • from 2.45 p.m. to - 4.45 p.m., when the patient finally _ succumbed, in spite of the ' fact : that twice during their efforts he appeared to revive. The mother admitted that she.had described the boy's noon meal as light, but it transpired that he had eaten a veryheavy meal. The jury and the acting-coroner, Mr. J. D. McKenzie, found that in accordance with ; the medical evidence, death was caused bv heart failure and shock, while under chloroform. aggravated $>■ by the quantity of food partaken of by the deceased before the anaesthetic was administered.