Finding into death of Roderick Allen

48y · Male·Decompensated liver and renal disease; alcoholic liver disease in the circumstance of recent burns and inhalation injury to the respiratory tract

Roderick Allen, 48, died from decompensated liver and renal disease secondary to severe alcoholic liver disease, complicated by burns and smoke inhalation sustained in a house fire. He was rescued by police officers from a fully-engulfed house and transported to hospital with 6% full-thickness burns and inhalation injury. His pre-existing severe liver disease and subsequent multi-organ failure were the primary causes of death. The coroner found the fire was likely caused by a discarded cigarette in the bedroom. While there were failures in the 000 emergency call system, the prompt action of police in attending and rescuing Mr Allen meant these delays did not contribute to his death. The clinical lesson is that pre-existing severe liver disease significantly compromises recovery from acute injuries like burns and smoke inhalation.