Deceased
Colin George Sinclair
Demographics
68y, male
Date of death
2015-05-10
Finding date
2019-06-12
Cause of death
Obstruction of airways by foodstuffs with contributing alcohol-related dementia
AI-generated summary
Colin George Sinclair, aged 68, died from airway obstruction by food while in high-level aged care under guardianship. He had alcohol-related dementia and Korsakoff's syndrome with significant cognitive decline affecting his ability to manage eating safely. Despite speech pathology assessment, dietary modification, and supervision protocols requiring soft food in bite-sized pieces with one-on-one meal supervision, he stuffed excessive food in his mouth during dinner. Staff intervened appropriately by removing his plate, but aspiration occurred. Paramedics found total airway obstruction requiring forced intubation. The coroner found no preventable factors and no lack of appropriate care. A policy suggestion was made regarding clustered seating for high-risk feeders to optimize staff supervision during mealtimes.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.
Specialties
Clinical conditions
Procedures
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