Coronial
QLDhospital

Zessin, Ralph Frederick

Deceased

Ralph Frederick Zessin

Demographics

67y, male

Coroner

Lock

Date of death

2012-08-07

Finding date

2014-04-02

Cause of death

Raised intracranial pressure due to head injuries from a fall

AI-generated summary

A 67-year-old man died from severe head injuries sustained when he was pushed backwards through a hotel doorway during playful banter with another patron. He fell onto a concrete footpath and struck his head, suffering subdural and subarachnoid haemorrhage, brain contusions, and raised intracranial pressure. Despite maximal ICU support including intracranial pressure monitoring and medications, he did not regain consciousness. After 13 days, treatment was withdrawn at family request. The coroner found the push was intentional but not intended to cause harm—it occurred in a friendly context with both men drinking moderately. Medical management was appropriate; multiple hospital transfers occurred but did not contribute to the outcome as the injuries were unsurvivable. No clinical errors were identified.

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

Specialties

neurosurgeryintensive caretrauma surgeryemergency medicineparamedicine

Clinical conditions

subdural haemorrhagesubarachnial haemorrhagetraumatic brain injuryraised intracranial pressurecerebral contusionbrain laceration

Procedures

intracranial pressure monitoringmechanical ventilationpharmacological neuroprotection

Contributing factors

  • Push from another patron during playful banter
  • Impact to back of head on concrete footpath
  • Subdural haemorrhage
  • Subarachnoid haemorrhage
  • Brain swelling and raised intracranial pressure
  • Inability to protect self during fall (arms not used to break fall)
Full text

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