An 18-month-old toddler in Arizona was found alive and breathing in a hospital morgue approximately five and a half hours after a doctor mistakenly pronounced him dead. The incident occurred on February 8 in Gilbert, Arizona.
Emergency crews responded to a home where the toddler had been found unresponsive in a pool. The child was transported to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, where he was declared dead shortly after arrival. However, medical staff later discovered the boy was alive when preparing to move him to the morgue.
Police reports indicate that a police officer on the scene heard a nurse state the child had a pulse and brought this to the attention of the physician handling the case. The officer's report alleges the doctor dismissed his concern, stating, "I went to medical school for a reason." The doctor then proceeded to officially declare the toddler dead.
Officers on the scene noted signs of life, including audible and visible air release from the child and what sounded like gasping. These observations were reportedly reiterated by a female officer who also noted what appeared to be a gasp or air release from the child when she entered the morgue, nearly an hour after the initial pronouncement.
A spokesperson for Mercy Gilbert Medical Center stated, "This is a heartbreaking situation. We immediately conducted a thorough review of all aspects of the care provided to learn what happened and to make meaningful changes to strengthen our care."
Following the discovery that the child was alive, he was flown to Phoenix Children's Hospital for treatment. According to MRI results, the toddler suffered severe brain damage and will require lifelong medical care.
