Anaesthetic medications are used to put a patient to sleep before a medical procedure, cause loss of sensation and/or relieve pain. Usually, an anaesthetist will be responsible for administering and managing anaesthetic medications during a medical procedure. The anaesthetist’s duty is also to monitor the patient’s vital signs during surgery to make sure they are safe while they are under the effects of the anaesthetic.
What are some examples of Anaesthetic errors?
Anaesthesia is a highly specialised area of medical practice and there are significant risks involved if the anaesthetist does not exercise proper care and skill. Below are some examples of anaesthetic errors:
- Administering too much anaesthetic;
- Administering not enough anaesthetic;
- Administering the wrong type of anaesthesia;
- Failing to manage the patient’s oxygen properly;
- Failing to monitor the patient’s vital signs including oxygen levels and blood pressure;
- Improperly injecting anaesthetic into a nerve or the spinal cord;
- Incorrectly inserting the intubation tube;
- Using defective or faulty equipment;
- Failing to identify or treat complications that arise.
What are the consequences of anaesthetic errors?
The consequences of anaesthetic errors can range from minor to catastrophic. Some examples of complications and injuries that can be associated with anaesthetic errors include:
- Psychological distress;
- Nausea or vomiting;
- Delirium or confusion;
- Damage to tissue or organs;
- Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction);
- Respiratory issues;
- Nerve damage;
- Blood clots;
- Brain damage;
- Heart attack;
- Stroke;
- Death.
Do I have a claim for anaesthetic negligence?
Not all anaesthetic errors will give rise to a negligence claim. To prove negligence, it must be shown that:
- The standard of care that the anaesthetist provided fell below what would be widely regarded by his or her peers as competent professional practice at the time; and
- The error caused injury, loss or damage to the patient.
What should I do next?
If you have been injured as a result of an anaesthetic error, or you would like more information as to whether you might have a claim, our team of experienced medical negligence solicitors would be pleased to assist you. Please call our office on 02 4050 0330 to book an appointment.
