Inquest into the death of Jesse Riley

31y · Male·Status epilepsy secondary to cerebral cavernoma

Jesse Riley, a 31-year-old with undiagnosed cerebral cavernoma, experienced status epilepticus triggered by an unknown cause (possibly nicotine from recent vaping). While in post-ictal delirium, he was perceived as aggressive/intoxicated. Police and paramedics responded, using physical and mechanical restraints in prone position followed by 5mg droperidol sedation. He deteriorated rapidly and suffered cardiac arrest. The coroner found paramedic care appropriate despite expert commentary that earlier monitoring equipment application, earlier lateral repositioning, and closer airway assessment could have been beneficial. No clinical errors were identified as causative, though positioning and monitoring practices represent learning opportunities for out-of-hospital care in complex behavioural emergencies.