Finding into death of Arnold Polis

68y · Male·Community acquired chest infection secondary to C6 quadriplegia secondary to remote diving accident (1972)

Arnold Polis, a 68-year-old man with C6 quadriplegia from a 1972 diving accident, died from community-acquired chest infection complicated by heart failure. He had recurrent respiratory and urinary tract infections related to his spinal cord injury. In May-June 2024, he presented with urinary tract infection, pertussis-associated respiratory infection, and pneumonia. Despite appropriate antibiotic treatment, supplemental oxygen, diuretics, and chest physiotherapy at Box Hill Hospital, his condition deteriorated. The coroner found his medical care was reasonable and appropriate. His death from natural causes reflected the progressive complications of long-standing quadriplegia as he aged, with weakened respiratory effort and immune response. No preventable factors were identified.