Deceased
Faithe Baxter
Demographics
22y, female
Coroner
Decision ofDeputy State Coroner Stone
Date of death
2018-11-06
Finding date
2022-09-26
Cause of death
cardiac arrest of uncertain cause noting the existence of drug toxicity; the drug toxicity on balance was most likely methamphetamine toxicity
AI-generated summary
Faithe Baxter, aged 22, died from cardiac arrest due to methamphetamine toxicity after using multiple drugs including methamphetamine, benzodiazepines, opioids and nitrous oxide. She became unconscious in a car overnight and her companion, Sam Smith, discovered her in respiratory distress the following morning, immediately called emergency services at 8:30 am and commenced CPR. Paramedics arrived within 8 minutes and achieved return of spontaneous circulation. The coroner found no evidence of preventable delay in seeking medical assistance. Medical evidence indicated Faithe's cardiac arrest likely occurred approximately 30 minutes before CPR commenced, and that the degree of myocardial damage may have been non-survivable regardless of timing. Paramedics and hospital staff provided appropriate resuscitation and intensive care. The case highlights risks of polydrug use, particularly stimulant-induced cardiomyopathy with concurrent sedatives and nitrous oxide, and the challenges in recognising unconsciousness versus sleep in drug-affected individuals.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.
Specialties
Error types
Drugs involved
Clinical conditions
Procedures
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