Source · Prevention of Future Deaths
Elvis Snelson
Ref: 2016-0042
Date: 21 Jan 2016
Coroner: Fiona Borrill
Area: Manchester City
Responses identified: 0 / 1
View PDF
The "legal high" acetylfentanyl, a highly potent opioid, poses significant risks due to users being unaware of its opioid nature, leading to dangerous sedation and respiratory depression.
Date
21 Jan 2016
56-day deadline
17 Mar 2016 est.
Responses identified
0 of 1
Coroner's concerns
The "legal high" acetylfentanyl, a highly potent opioid, poses significant risks due to users being unaware of its opioid nature, leading to dangerous sedation and respiratory depression.
View full coroner's concerns
During the course of the inquest; heard evidence from Jas to the medical cause of Mr Snelson's death; She had provided a post mortem report and histopathology report; which incorporated toxicology findings. The evidence heard confirmed that acetylfentanyl is a 'designer drug' and is described as a 'legal high' . It is an opioid analgesic and ! heard evidence that it reported as being 5-15 times more potent than heroin and 80 times more potent than morphine_ understand that it has never been licensed for medical use and has only been sold illegally, but as a 'legal high' . It appears to me that although the number of fatalities arising as a result of acetylfentanyl toxicity are IoW; the toxic effects of this drug being sedation and respiratory depression will be a particular problem if the user is unaware that have purchasedlused an opioid drug:
Report sections
Investigation and inquest
On gth September 2015 commenced an investigation into the death of Elvis Terrence Gene Snelson, aged 29 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 21st January 2016. The cause of death was found to be: 1a Acetylfentanyl toxicity The conclusion of the inquest was drug related death:
Circumstances of the death
On 27th August 2015, Mr Snelson was found unconscious in Room 23 at Le Ville Hotel in Manchester at about 11.1Oam by a member of hotel staff. Paramedics attended and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was carried out. He was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary by ambulance, but despite further resuscitation, death was confirmed at 12.35pm on 27th August
Action should be taken
In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and believe you and your organisation have the power to take such action: To publicise more widely the potential toxic effects of this which can lead to fatalities To circulate updated information with regard to this drug within the NHS and via the Coroners' Society Additionally, would be grateful if you would inform me as to the number of fatalities the Department of Health is aware of having occurred as a result of acetylfentanyl toxicity from 2014 to date_
Similar PFD reports
Related inquiry recommendations
Report details
- Reference
- 2016-0042
- Date of report
- 21 January 2016
- Coroner
- Fiona Borrill
- Coroner area
- Manchester City
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: 17 Mar 2016 (estimated).
Sent to
- Department of Health and Social Care