Source · Prevention of Future Deaths
Vera Lillian Steel
Ref: 2013-0185
Date: 13 Aug 2013
Coroner: Michael Burgess
Area: Surrey
Responses identified: 0 / 2
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A frail, bedbound resident fatally burned herself while smoking. Care homes should be encouraged to provide fire-protective aprons or smocks to residents who smoke to prevent similar incidents.
Date
13 Aug 2013
56-day deadline
8 Oct 2013 est.
Responses identified
0 of 2
Coroner's concerns
A frail, bedbound resident fatally burned herself while smoking. Care homes should be encouraged to provide fire-protective aprons or smocks to residents who smoke to prevent similar incidents.
View full coroner's concerns
The deceased who had full testamentary capacity, was either bedbound or in a wheel chair: She insisted on smoking: She was extremely frail and tried to light a cigarette using a match: She apparently managed to strike one but she then dropped it (the Iit match) into her lap. Her cotton night dress caught fire and she received bums_ In the course of evidence we received evidence how it is now possible to Obtain a fire protective apron or smock that could be wom or draped over the smoker SO that any such incident would result in the match (or a lit cigarette) buming out without any damage to the clothing or smoker__With many fatal domestic fires being caused by the_ heavy garden legs: lap King' College The
"incautious disposal 0f smoking products" this sont 0f pro-active clothing could be more widely available and those places (such as care homes) whose residents may include smokers should be encouraged to provide access to these protective measures_
"incautious disposal 0f smoking products" this sont 0f pro-active clothing could be more widely available and those places (such as care homes) whose residents may include smokers should be encouraged to provide access to these protective measures_
Report sections
Circumstances of the death
The deceased was a smoker. On Saturday 24 March 2012,she was taken onto the terrace of Glebe Nursing Home where she resided in order to smoke. She had refused to dress and was still in her night attire with a blanket over her She asked her carer to fetch a glass of brandy and whilst the carer was gone, the deceased attempted t0 light a cigarette using a match She apparently dropped the lit match into her causing a fire and resulting in severe burns Despite treatment by attending paramedics and the specialist burns unit at Hospital she died later that evening:
Action should be taken
In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and believe you ANDIOR your organisation have the power to take such action.
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Report details
- Reference
- 2013-0185
- Date of report
- 13 August 2013
- Coroner
- Michael Burgess
- Coroner area
- Surrey
Responses identified
Responses identified
0 of 2
2 responses not yet linked
Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 8 Oct 2013 (estimated).
Sent to
- Care Quality Commission
- South East England Fire and Rescue Service