Source · Prevention of Future Deaths

Kayleigh Burns

Ref: 2023-0106Deceased Date: 27 Mar 2023 Coroner: Sean McGovern Area: Warwickshire Responses identified: 0 / 1 View PDF

The report raises the issue of whether the present legal framework concerning Nitrous Oxide should be reviewed, in light of this death, having regard to the seemingly increasing use of Nitrous Oxide particularly by young persons.

Date 27 Mar 2023
56-day deadline 22 May 2023 est.
Responses identified 0 of 1
Alcohol, drug and medication related deaths Child Death (from 2015)

Coroner's concerns

AI summary
The report raises the issue of whether the present legal framework concerning Nitrous Oxide should be reviewed, in light of this death, having regard to the seemingly increasing use of Nitrous Oxide particularly by young persons.
View full coroner's concerns
During the inquest, the evidence and information revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion, there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. i. Whether the present legal framework concerning Nitrous Oxide should be reviewed, in the light of this death, having regard to the seemingly increasing use of Nitrous Oxide particularly by young persons.

Report sections

Investigation and inquest
On 17 June 2022, I commenced an investigation into the death of Miss Kayleigh Burns. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 24th March 2023 at Warwick Coroners Court. The medical cause of death was confirmed as 1a inhalation of Nitrous Oxide compounding Asthma.
Circumstances of the death
Miss Burns was 16 years old and suffered from asthma. On the 3rd June 2022, Kayleigh visited a friend’s flat in Stratford upon Avon. Whilst there she ingested the contents of a number of nitrous oxide cannisters. She started to wheeze and used her blue inhaler. She declined an ambulance and collapsed as she was going outside to get air. An ambulance was called and her friend performed CPR. She was resuscitated but died the next day at University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire. The medical cause of death was inhalation of Nitrous Oxide compounding Asthma. I concluded that her death was drug related (ie inhalation of Nitrous Oxide) in the context of Asthma.

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Report details

Reference
2023-0106Deceased
Date of report
27 March 2023
Coroner
Sean McGovern
Coroner area
Warwickshire

Responses identified

Responses identified 0 of 1
1 response not yet linked

Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 22 May 2023 (estimated).

Sent to

Ministry for Justice

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