Oops! Fatal Edition

MIAMI - A South Florida family files a lawsuit against North Shore Medical Center after a nurse mistakenly gave a 79-year-old man Pancuronium, a drug administered to inmates during most lethal injections.


Last July, Richard Smith, 79, was admitted to the intensive care unit for observation after complaining of shortness of breath. Records show Smith told doctors he had an upset stomach. The doctor ordered Pepcid, an over-the-counter antacid, for him.


However, a nurse in the ICU grabbed a vile of Pancuronium out of a locked drug cart, injected it into Smith's IV tube and apparently left.

I have some medical training, and am licensed to dispense medications in Missouri.  I know how rigorous the training is and the steps that keep mistakes like this from happening.  This story is the perfect example of why the rules are in place, and the dangers of skipping steps.  This man was fully aware of his suffering, he was awake and unable to breathe, and the last thing he knew in this world was that help was not coming.  Preventable, sad, and utterly depressing on behalf of his family.  The nurse made several mistakes, not just one.  That she was not fired and prosecuted is amazing to me.