Clarke, Jon Edward Norman

22y · Male·multi-organ failure secondary to heatstroke

Jon Edward Norman Clarke, a 22-year-old man with chronic schizophrenia-paranoid type managed with Clozapine 500mg daily plus Solian and Efexor XR, collapsed from heatstroke while working as a trolley boy on 27 January 2007 and died from multi-organ failure on 8 February 2007. He was employed through STEPS Employment and appropriately advised about hydration and heat prevention by his treating psychiatrist Dr N., employment consultant, and worksite supervisor. Despite being monitored during his work shift and carrying water, he developed heatstroke in humid conditions. The coroner found no evidence that Clozapine was a major contributing factor, though some patients may have genetic susceptibility to heatstroke. The coroner recommended that assessment information forms for employment should be completed by the treating doctor with specific recommendations about suitable work types and hours, rather than generic health information alone.