Coroner's Finding: Salter, Lyndsay Kenneth

83y · Male·pulmonary fat embolism complicating interstitial lung disease

An 83-year-old experienced motorcyclist died from pulmonary fat embolism complicating interstitial lung disease following a compound fracture of the right tibia sustained in a motorcycle crash. Mr Salter lost concentration approaching a T-junction and failed to brake, colliding with an Armco barrier. He was transported to hospital and underwent emergency surgery for the fracture with neurovascular compromise. During induction of anaesthesia, his blood pressure dropped and he suffered cardiac arrest from which he could not be resuscitated. Contributing factors included recent illness, fatigue from long-distance riding, and a defective front brake requiring heightened concentration. The coroner found no preventable failures in the care provided by ambulance personnel or hospital staff. The crash was primarily attributed to momentary loss of concentration.