Grandad, 63, choked to death on chunk of steak after medic arrived with broken defibrillator
THE family of a man who tragically died choking on a steak dinner have raised concerns over a volunteer medic sent to save his life.
They claim the medic responded to the urgent emergency call with faulty equipment.
Paul Barnes, 63, tragically passed away at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital in March after choking on a steak a week earlier.
He was hailed as a “legend” by locals in East Harling where he was living with his son, daughter-in-law and three-year-old granddaughter.
His family have now raised concerns after the first person to arrive at the scene of Paul’s choking episode was a community first responder with a broken defibrillator.
An inquest into Paul’s tragic death has since heard that the family were enjoying a “steak night”, a tradition on Wednesdays, when the horror unfolded.
The court heard Paul was found unresponsive and “grey in the face” after choking on his steak.
Emergency services were immediately scrambled and later found a two-inch long piece of steak lodged deep in his throat.
At this point Paul had gone into cardiac arrest, he was rushed to hospital but was found to have suffered a hypoxic brain injury and was placed into palliative care.
The first on scene, a community responder from the Norfolk Accident and Rescue Service charity, arrived with a broken defibrillator.
The responder then asked Paul’s son to drive to the nearest fire station and ask to borrow theirs, which he promptly did.
It then emerged that Paul did not have a shockable heart rhythm, which meant the equipment was not required.
Johanna Thompson, area coroner for Norfolk, told the inquest: “This would have exacerbated what must have already been a very distressing situation.”
The court also heard evidence that a medical device, known as an i-gel, used to assist with a person’s airway, had been incorrectly placed.
The obstruction in Paul’s throat was reportedly not seen by either the volunteer or the medic who arrived next.
A paramedic who arrived later described the scene as “chaotic” however the errors made are not thought to have affected the outcome.
Ms Thompson concluded that Paul had died an accidental death.
She said that she would be writing to the NARS for assurances about how often the charity’s equipment is checked and maintained.
Members of Paul’s family have since led touching tributes to the retired church restorer.
Paul’s son, Darren Barnes, said: “He was known by just about everyone in our area and would help anyone with anything.
“If you needed anything, from gardening to repairs, he was the one you would go to.
“He was a brilliant man and a brilliant father, uncle, brother, husband and grandfather.
“He was loved by everyone and leaves a huge void for us all.”
Paul’s family raised concerns over the medic who was first to arrive on scene
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