Deceased
Andrew Hepple Pattison
Demographics
39y, male
Coroner
Coroner Audrey Jamieson
Date of death
2009-08-02
Finding date
2016-02-24
Cause of death
Positional asphyxia in a setting of intoxication and minor head injury
AI-generated summary
Mr Andrew Hepple Pattison, a 39-year-old regular patron of the Footscray Club, died from positional asphyxia after falling down stairs while heavily intoxicated. He had consumed approximately 10-12 pots of beer and was appropriately cut off by staff, who arranged a taxi. Approximately 30 seconds after leaving the club, he fell and was found with his head wedged against the wall in a position that compromised his airway. Over six minutes elapsed before emergency services determined he needed repositioning due to airway obstruction. Paramedics confirmed his airway was critically occluded. The coroner found his death was likely preventable had his airway been cleared and maintained promptly. Key issues included: lack of first aid training among club staff, delayed recognition of airway compromise, and difficulty repositioning him due to confined space. The staircase design complied with relevant building codes, though some ergonomic improvements were identified as practical enhancements.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes. Report an inaccuracy.
Specialties
Error types
Drugs involved
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