Paul Alexander Murray · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On the 14th February 2013 I opened an inquest touching the death of Paul Alexander Murray, 47 years old. The inquest concluded on the 25th February 2015. The conclusion of the inquest was “Narrative”, the medical case of death was 1a Fatal cardiac dysrhythmia 1b Myocarditis.

Paul Alexander Murray died from the results of a myocarditis on the 8th February 2015 that was likely to have begun a day or so before. Mr Murray began to show symptoms and the first call was made to the London Ambulance Service at 12.00.

There are three matters that are likely to have a bearing on Mr Murray’s death

Firstly that Mr Murray was developing the symptoms of a myocarditis such that he was vomiting and in some pain at the time of the first call to the London Ambulance Service. The Ambulance Service would not have been able to associate the general symptoms with a myocarditis.

Secondly there were insufficient ambulances in circulation to respond following the second call at 12.19 if there had been sufficient ambulances and an ambulance had attended to Mr Murray it is likely that he would not have had the cardiac arrest as it is likely had treatment been provided by the ambulance staff that treatment would have delayed the onset of Mr Murrays cardiac arrest.

Thirdly that had Mr Murray been taken to hospital following the call at 12.19 arriving there before his cardiac arrest it is likely that he would not have died when he did.

Mr Murray did receive an emergency response by a first responder after a 4th call saying that Mr Murray had become unresponsive, a criteria that generates an emergency response.

Mr Murray was taken to hospital arriving at 14:50 pm where despite treatment he died.

That there were insufficient resources available for the London Ambulance service to meet the demand on the 8th February 2013 at 12.19