Tragic: Baby dies in Australian hospital after accidental administration of nitrous oxide instead of oxygen – TheLiberal.ie – Our News, Your Views

Tragic: Baby dies in Australian hospital after accidental administration of nitrous oxide instead of oxygen




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A baby tragically lost his life, and a second one is in a critical condition, after being mistakenly administered laughing gas (nitrous oxide) instead of oxygen.

The incidents occurred at the Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital, in western Sydney. Both children received the wrong gas in the resuscitation unit.

It is understood the families were briefed about the tragic error this past weekend.

It is not known how the fatal error came to be, as the gas tanks manufacturer clearly indicates that nitrous oxide tanks are painted light blue, while oxygen tanks are black.

Eight other medical facilities have checked their gas fittings, to ensure the tanks are properly installed.

Local authorities have apologised to the families and launched an internal investigation to find the root cause of the fatal mistake.

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