Deceased
Selesa Tafaifa
Demographics
44y, female
Coroner
Gallagher
Date of death
2021-11-30
Finding date
2025-10-29
Cause of death
Cardiac arrest in the context of several contributory factors (physical exertion, restraint, safety hood application with hair across face) in setting of significant pre-existing natural disease (obesity, cardiomyopathy, coronary atherosclerosis). Cause listed as 'not determined' as relative contribution of factors could not be determined.
AI-generated summary
Selesa Tafaifa, a 44-year-old woman with Samoan heritage, died in custody at Townsville Women's Correctional Centre on 30 November 2021 during physical restraint by correctional officers, including application of a safety hood. She suffered cardiac arrest attributed to multiple contributory factors: significant pre-existing heart disease (cardiomyopathy, coronary atherosclerosis, obesity), physical exertion during restraint, psychological distress from being denied phone calls, and possible intermittent asphyxia. The coroner found the cause 'not determined' as relative contributions could not be established. Clinical lessons include: recognising signs of medical deterioration during restraint in vulnerable prisoners with comorbidities; removing safety hoods when distress is evident; training officers to recognise respiratory distress beyond baseline; considering system-wide factors (phone access, mental health support) affecting prisoner wellbeing; and reviewing continued use of safety hoods where alternatives exist.
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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32y · Female·Cerebral destruction caused by a self-inflicted bullet wound to the head
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