Coronial
NSWother

Inquest into the death of Victor John Russell

Deceased

Victor John Russell

Demographics

48y, male

Date of death

2015-05-10

Finding date

2015-07-09

Cause of death

Ischaemic Heart Disease

AI-generated summary

Victor John Russell, aged 48, died in prison of ischaemic heart disease (90-95% left anterior descending coronary artery narrowing). He had family history of early cardiac disease, prior borderline QTc prolongation on ECG, asthma, schizophrenia, and poly-substance abuse history. He reported nocturnal symptoms (gagging, vomiting, gasping for breath) to a friend but was reluctant to seek medical help. He was found unresponsive in his cell during morning muster. CPR was commenced promptly by trained officers with acting superintendent supervision. The coroner found resuscitation was adequate and the initial ineffective resuscitation mask (replaced with handkerchief) did not contribute to his death. This case illustrates the importance of prisoners reporting concerning symptoms and healthcare systems ensuring cardiac risk assessment in those with family history and borderline ECG findings.

AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.

Contributing factors

  • 90-95% narrowing of left anterior descending coronary artery
  • family history of early myocardial infarction
  • prior borderline QTc prolongation
  • reluctance to seek medical care
  • nocturnal respiratory symptoms
  • poly-substance abuse history

Coroner's recommendations

  1. Correctional centre improved accessibility of Laerdal resuscitation masks by: installing 22 fixed first aid kits with Laerdal resuscitation masks; installing 4 portable first aid kits with Laerdal resuscitation masks; installing 5 Emergency Response Kits with 2 Laerdal resuscitation masks each, located near inmate accommodation units
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