A tragic incident unfolded as a six-year-old boy, Benício Xavier de Freitas, passed away following what was claimed to be a medical error in administering an adrenaline dose meant for a heart attack patient. The boy, who was the only child of his family, suffered six consecutive cardiac arrests after receiving three 3ml doses of intravenous adrenaline at 30-minute intervals while being treated for suspected laryngitis in a hospital in Manaus, Brazil.
Benício’s father, Bruno, reported that his son fell ill immediately after receiving the first dose, expressing discomfort by saying, “Mum, my heart is burning.” Despite the medical team’s efforts, Benício tragically succumbed to his condition early on Sunday, November 23. The nurse responsible for prescribing the adrenaline has been suspended pending an investigation into the incident, with Bruno highlighting the severity of the mistake made.
Following the initial treatment, which also included nasal rinses and syrup, Benício’s health rapidly deteriorated. Rushed to the emergency room, his oxygen levels dropped significantly, leading to resuscitation attempts and eventual intubation in the ICU. Despite doctors’ efforts to revive him, Benício succumbed to a final cardiac arrest.
The hospital has initiated an inquiry into the incident, with the suspended nurse under investigation, along with involvement from the police and the Regional Medical Council. Bruno, grieving the loss of his only child, emphasized the family’s desire for justice and prevention of similar tragedies in the future.
This heartbreaking event comes in the wake of another medical malpractice case where a first-time mother, Ilona Kazik, lost her life due to a brain bleed shortly after giving birth, raising concerns about the quality of care provided by medical professionals.