Inquest into the death of Bradley HOPE

16y · Male·cardiac arrhythmia or hypoxia in the setting of hydrocarbon inhalation

Bradley Hope, 16, died from cardiac arrhythmia or hypoxia following inhalation of hydrocarbon propellants from an aerosol deodorant purchased at a supermarket self-checkout. After engaging in volatile substance use with friends, he rapidly deteriorated with unresponsive state, respiratory distress, and colour change. Despite immediate CPR by friends, police and paramedics, and extensive resuscitation efforts at hospital including intubation, medications, and consideration of ECMO, he could not be resuscitated. The inquest found he was engaging in recreational VSU, an accessible practice among young people. Clinical lessons include recognising VSU can cause sudden fatal cardiac arrhythmias even in first-time users or healthy young people; the need for early emergency services activation; education for first responders about VSU risks; understanding that cardiac arrhythmias may follow VSU due to myocardial sensitisation to catecholamines; and broader public health strategies including parent education, retailer awareness, and product reformulation research.