Workers at a morgue in Arizona had the fright of their lives recently. An 18-month-old toddler had been announced dead at Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, only to be discovered alive when taken to the pool.
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The toddler, whose name has not been released, had been found in the family's pool on Feb. 8, per local outlet ABC 15. Upon arriving at the hospital, a doctor pronounced the toddler dead.
"The report also alleges that officers heard a nurse saying that she found the toddler's pulse, AZ Family reported. Despite nurses and police officers insisting that they observed signs of life, the child was pronounced dead at 6:20 p.m. on Feb. 8, per the outlet," PEOPLE reports.
According to an officer, the doctor in question dismissed the officer as they tried to inform them a nurse had found a pulse.
"[The doctor] arrogantly told me he was the doctor, he has the medical degree, he went to medical school for a reason, and to let him do his thing," the officer's report stated, via ABC 15. "The release of air was audible and visible. It also began to sound like [the child] was gasping for air."
Mercy Gilbert Medical Center Has Since Released a Statement Following the Incident
As news of the incident broke, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center issued a statement to ABC 15.
"This is a heartbreaking situation," the statement began. "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. Out of respect for the patient's privacy, we cannot discuss details. We continue to work with the family and their representative. Patient safety and exceptional care is our highest priority."
The doctor in question is not facing any criminal charges.
Nevertheless, the family of the toddler has every right to feel aggrieved. The entire incident would have been incredibly traumatic. Fortunately, the toddler is alive, and that is the most important thing. Hopefully, new procedures will be put in place to ensure another family doesn't have to go through a similar ordeal.
