This is a bit late, but I took Martin's advice and looked into cases
relating to sedation in A&E dealt with by the MDU. It is not possible to
browse their archives, but they kindly volunteered to supply me with some
information. Here are some extracts:
"...there are only a few such cases and these relate to aspiration or death
of the patient, allegedly due to inappropriate sedation - in all cases
involving an intoxicated patient."
"Nevertheless, the small number of cases to be found in our database does
need some qualifying, because since 1990 we would not be directly involved
in claims made against NHS Trusts. This would be covered by Crown
Indemnity. We will only be notified if an individual MDU member seeks our
independent advice on how to respond to such a claim. Hence I would not
suggest you rely on such small numbers as an indication that it is not a
particular medico-legal problem."
Chris Kirke
----- Original Message -----
From: <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2001 9:19 AM
Subject: Sedation, flumazenil, etc
> ....The Royal College of Anaesthetists are shortly to publish their
document which
> reviews sedation for dental anaesthesia, and provides
recommendations....my
> feeling is that responsible Emergency Physicians will already have adopted
a
> safe practice for sedation, but worth a look. Also worth a look - various
medical
> defense organisations' archives on "sedation mishaps".......
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