The parents of 1-year-old Vincent Fiordilino are planning to sue Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center and a doctor after a series of events that led to their child being declared deceased, then found alive.
Vincent was found unresponsive in a pool and transported to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. According to a police report, a doctor, identified only as Dr. Toosi, pronounced the child dead at 6:20 p.m. Bodycam footage captured this declaration.
However, within minutes, both Vincent's mother and a nurse detected signs of life. The police report noted that the child's chest and stomach were observed to be rising and falling, indicating he was still breathing. When this was brought to Dr. Toosi's attention, the doctor reportedly responded dismissively, asserting their medical authority.
Later, shortly before midnight, medical personnel discovered the child was breathing and had a pulse in the hospital morgue. He was subsequently transferred to Phoenix Children's Hospital. Medical professionals there confirmed that Vincent was suffering from severe medical issues stemming from the near-drowning.
A GoFundMe fundraiser established for Vincent states that his kidneys, lungs, and liver began to shut down after his arrival at Phoenix Children's Hospital. Initial MRI scans suggested minor potential brain damage, but later tests reportedly found no such damage. Vincent continues to require extensive therapy and ongoing medical monitoring.
Neither Dr. Toosi nor Vincent's parents have been charged in connection with the incident. Dr. Toosi's attorney declined to comment when contacted by AZFamily. A spokesperson for Dignity Health stated that the hospital conducted a thorough review of the care provided to understand what happened and implement changes. The spokesperson added that the hospital is working with the family and their representative, emphasizing patient safety and care as its highest priorities.