Anesthesiologists take care of you before, during and after your surgery. 2 years ago. In 2010, the American Society of Anesthesiologists . Rex L. Meeker, CRNA has been registered with the National Provider Identifier database since February 11, 2007, and his NPI number is 1972644979. . Even though it will never bring our daughter back, at least this will help others from getting hurt and prevent ruining other families' lives. Meeker is also facing a felony reckless manslaughter charge and turned himself in to authorities on Friday. For more information, please see our The investigation has taken more than two years to complete and involved dozens of interviews and search warrants, said Captain of Investigations Travis Stewart. And they never even started the case according to the article? Didn't he induce her then leave her unmonitored? Interestingly, the Board order has a section with the heading ONSITE ANESTHESIOLOGIST. It requires that during the duration of Dr. Kims probation, hes only allowed to perform surgical procedures that require general anesthesia and conscious sedation with an anesthesiologist present in on site. Facebook gives people the power to share. 2019, after she was placed under anesthesia by nurse anesthetist Rex Meeke. Meeker did not respond to multiple calls and text messages from CBS4 seeking comment. I was a teenage girl once before.". According to a 2009 lawsuit filed in that case, Harty suffered low blood pressure and a slow heart rate during the procedure which were unrecognized and led to cardiac arrest and severe brain damage. One month after the procedure, Paula Harty died. In my experience, though, this is exceptionally rare. and our Nurse anesthetist Rex Meeker was also charged with reckless manslaughter. Call 281-580-8800, Lingual nerve injury left patient with numb tongue, loss of taste, IV infiltration or extravasation can cause serious injuries, People over 25 years old have higher risk, require extra precautions, Treatments and surgeries require both an order and consent, Texas Supreme Court provides further guidance on how tort reform periodic payment law applies. I do not think it looks bad for CRNAs as a profession or him at all. In a . A nurse under criminal investigation in connection with the death of a 19-year-old patient who died after breast augmentation surgery turned himself in to Arapahoe County authorities. Vote in our annual food bracket challenge. Staffers used CPR to try to revive the teen but she never fully regained consciousness. Nguyen did stop breathing and no one noticed until another nurse came in several minutes later, according to a lawsuit filed in December 2019. There are very few criminal cases filed against surgeons for botched operations and it tells us there is something more going on here than just mere negligence, said 9NEWS legal expert Scott Robinson. According to Arapahoe County Sherriff's Office, 52-year-old Dr. Geoffrey Kim turned himself in on Wednesday and was charged with criminally negligent homicide and first-degree aggravated assault. Travis Stewart, the Arapahoe sheriffs captain of investigations, said in a statement that the criminal investigation opened shortly after the failed surgery and involved dozens of interviews and search warrants. How on earth is the CRNA off the hook but the surgeon still on? Nguyen underwent a breast augmentation surgery in August 2019. sadly, it had the same outcome. Privacy Policy. They ruined Emmalyn's life, not just hers but all of ours. Press J to jump to the feed. General Anesthesiology. The next month it was reinstated but put on probation for a three-year period, during which, Kim was only allowed to perform procedures that required "general anesthesia and conscious sedation with an anesthesiologist present and on-site," the document says. I think the family has mixed feelings about this. Meeker called 911 and Nguyen was taken to Littleton Adventist Hospital and stayed there for 22 days. After a two-year investigation, Jeffrey his Dr. Kim surrendered earlier this week and was later released on a $5,000 bond. Rex L. Meeker, CRNA earned Education. Captain Travis Stewart with the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office said, "We opened this case in August 2019. Hopefully bringing criminal charges will bring out the truth about what happened and will bring justice for Emmalyn. Kim, who turned himself in with his attorney, was also released after posting a $5,000 bond. She said at various points, staff members misled her about what had occurred. All rights reserved. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Pure conjecture: young female, high vagal tone, predisposed to bradycardia, has profound hypotension leading to pulselessness at some point during anesthesia/surgery, CPR/ACLS is done, still minimally . Nurse anesthetist Rex Meeker, who was also involved in the case, is also facing a charge of reckless manslaughter. Girls high school basketball team forfeits a game because it refused to play against a team with a transgender player, Fox Leaders Wanted to Break From Trump but Struggled to Make It Happen, Not Going to Read That: White House Press Secretary Brushes Off DeSantis Op-Ed, Sunshine returns to SoCal on Thursday but cold temps stick around, Woodstock Photos That Make Us Say Whoa!, Wake-Up Weather: AM showers then mild and breezy, Mexican president says Tesla to build plant in Mexico, Twitter rolls out updated 'zero tolerance' policy on violent speech. Thats why they call 911 when something happens, to take patients to a hospital thats equipped and staffed to handle the emergency. She told CBS4 that at one point Dr. Kim told her "Everything went fine, the only thing is we didn't proceed with the procedure because her heart rate dropped but she is fine. As a patient, you may be comfortable with the training and competence of a CRNA. Ultimately, its up to the patient to consent to the anesthesia provider. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. He is a former hospital administrator who represents patients and family members in medical negligence and wrongful death lawsuits all over Texas. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. October 13, 2020 at 7:07 p.m. A young Brighton woman, who was incapacitated for more than a year after a breast augmentation surgery allegedly went awry, died last week at a local hospital . Meeker was the nurse anesthetist for Nguyens surgery, according to court documents. If youve been seriously injured because of poor anesthesia or surgical care in Texas, then contact a top-rated experienced Texas medical malpractice lawyer for free consultation about your potential case. "I just had kind of a weird feeling," Nguyens mother, Lynn Fam, told reporters after filing the lawsuit. I applaud District Attorney John Kellner and Assistant DA Gary Dawson for their courage and tenacity in this investigation and in bringing these charges. We represented Jerry Summers, who was rendered quadriplegic from operating room and post-operative care of Christopher Duntsch, MD, a/k/a Dr. Death. Feds sue water company for rupture damaging Rocky Mountain National Park -- again, Family gets unexpected bill after Kaiser Permanente Colorado software error that resulted in refunds to thousands, Skygazers will have a great view Wednesday of two planets that look like they are almost touching. Read his reports or check out his bio & send him an email. Nguyen's death warrant was issued "after extensive criminal review," the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday. Claim your profile and start getting more patients today. No clue what really happened intraop obviously as the facts are not known, but to have one off the hook and now testifying against the surgeon is a really bad look. The familys primary interest in seeing this criminal case being pursued is to make sure this doesnt ever happen to anyone else. Nguyens familys lawyer, David Woodruff, alleged that nurse Rex Meeker had left the then-18-year-old unattended for 15 minutes after administering the anesthesia. State records show that case did not lead to any state disciplinary action against Meeker. After receiving anesthesia, she reportedly experienced two cardiac arrests and ended up with brain damage. Based on my experience, outpatient surgery centers are generally not as prepared to handle emergencies, such as respiratory or cardiac arrest, then the hospital. He was booked on suspicion of two felonies, first-degree aggravated assault and criminally negligent homicide, and released. His conduct was deemed unprofessional. I think its best to wait and pass judgement until the surgeons trial reveals more facts but it all seems really strange. The patient never regained consciousness. In a prior order from January 2, 2020, the Board noted that the CRNA administered 250 mg of lidocaine with epinephrine and 62.5 mg of bupivacaine. Last summer, her daughter Emmalyn Nguyen, 18, decided to have breast augmentation performed by Greenwood Village doctor Dr. Geoffrey Kim. Anesthesiologists are physicians. Narcan is a medication that is typically used to reverse drug overdoses. We still haven't been able to get closure from Emmalyn's death. There are a lot of things that caught my attention about this tragic case. State medical records show Kim has had no previous disciplinary actions against his medical license. An anesthesiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in administering anesthesia, the medical treatment that keeps you from feeling pain during procedures or surgery. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. According to media reports and the lawsuit, the CRNA administered nine doses of Narcan. Although the CRNA reported a normal sinus heart rhythm and oxygen saturation levels in the mid-90s, this year they decided to manually ventilate the patient and stop the infusion of sedatives. Shes young, shes healthy, shell be okay, its just taking her long to wake up, Nguyens mother, Lynn Fam, told, Nguyen remained in a vegetative state prior to her. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. She didn't show signs. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Legal Statement. The procedure took place at Kim's Greenwood Village office, Colorado Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery. But authorities said Dr. Kim did not contact emergency personnel to transport Nguyen to a hospital for approximately five hours. Even though it will never bring our daughter back, at least this will help others from getting hurt and prevent ruining other families lives," they said. He said the most doses he has seen given to reverse anesthetics is two, the affidavit says. There was a firehouse in the same parking lot that could have provided help within moments. Delays expected; Next with Kyle Clark full show (3/1/23), Jefferson County students build intergenerational friendships, NOAA forecast misses as Denver records 14th-coldest winter in history, Allegations of neglect at Denvers jail after 71-year-old inmate dies, Mom accused of killing daughter while faking her illness gets 16 years. GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. A Greenwood Village plastic surgeon and former nurse anesthetist who now face charges in the 2020 death of a woman after she was given anesthesia for surgery gave conflicting stories about what happened and appeared to be blaming each other for what went wrong, an arrest affidavit says. "They killed my mom, 100%," said Swenson. Lafayette, CO 80026 (Boulder County). Emmalyn Nguyen (credit: CBS) The NPI number of this provider is 1972644979 and was assigned on February 2007. If convicted, both could face significant prison time, 9NEWS legal expert Scott Robinson said. This tragic case illustrates some common themes that Ive written about over the years, based on my experience in handling medical negligence and wrongful death cases. I don't know how they can sleep at night knowing they did this to her. First published on February 17, 2022 / 11:59 PM. The Board requires the anesthesiologist to be a board-certified physician licensed by the Board with no prior disciplinary history and no financial interest in Dr. Kims practice. All rights reserved. I wonder if we shouldn't write clear notes then so that we can't be found liable too. Dr. Geoffrey Kim and former nurse anesthetist Rex Meeker face charges in the death of 18-year-old Emmalyn Nguyen. A warrant has likewise been issued for his arrest, though he is not yet in custody. The mother leans in, just inches from her daughter's face. Nguyen went in for her plastic surgery at Colorado Aesthetic Plastic Surgery on Aug. 1, 2019. View the profiles of people named Rex Meeker. For my family, it would be my choice to have any surgery in a hospital, where the highest level of care can be provided in the event of an emergency. Insurance companies pay surgery centers less than hospitals for operating room services. At a minimum, I recommend that patients and families asked pointed questions about anesthesia staffing before procedure. CPR performed several times. Kim and Rex Meeker, a nurse who has been charged with manslaughter in Nguyen's death, allegedly . Nguyen's family filed a lawsuit against Dr. Kim and nurse anesthetist Rex Meeker, claiming that they did not seek emergency help during the procedure and delayed her hospitalization for nearly . Meeker is facing a manslaughter charge in . Rex Meeker was booked Friday at the Arapahoe County jail on suspicion of manslaughter, a class-four felony, and released, according to the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office. It looks like OP posted an AMP link. Opinion: Colorado farms going fallow? The anesthesia provider involved, Rex Meeker, became a registered nurse in 1984 and certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) in 1995. You may have heard of that surgeon being called Dr. Death in podcasts and on a TV show. But in the family's lawsuit, filed Wednesday by attorney David Woodruff, the lawyer contends Nguyen was left unattended and unobserved for 15 minutes after being given anesthesia Aug. 1 at 2 p.m. by certified nurse anesthetist Rex Meeker. Kim and Rex Meeker, a nurse who has been charged with manslaughter in Nguyens death, allegedly overdosed Nguyen through a method called "snowing" in an attempt to get her under anesthesia more quickly. Meeker, the nurse anesthetist, was involved in a similar situation in 2007. He served as the nurse anesthetist for Paula Harty, of Silverthorne, who was also undergoing a breast augmentation. According to the order, after the CRNA administered anesthesia, the patient went into cardiac arrest and began turning blue. Meeker was reportedly involved in a similar incident in 2007. A call and email to an attorney believed to be representing Meeker were also not returned. Insurance companies love surgery centers over hospitals and so do surgeons who own them. Market data provided by Factset. What should have been a very standard procedure turned into a nightmare for her and her family, said Woodruff. Emmalyn Nguyen, 18, in a vegetative state after cosmetic surgery gone wrong. First, the anesthesia and procedure were being done at an outpatient surgery center, rather than a hospital. In many cases we have handled, patients and family members have told us that they were unaware of who would be handling anesthesia care in the operating room. Fam says at one point an office staff member even approached her and gave her a reminder card setting up a follow up appointment. During discovery in many cases, weve obtained emergency transfer agreements between outpatient surgery centers and hospitals. The CRNA then administered medications to reverse the sedation. Market data provided by Factset. Read his reports or check out his bio & send him an email. A Colorado plastic surgeon is facing charges stemming from the death of an 18-year-old patient following a breast augmentation procedure in 2019. Gilbert, AZ 85233. Reaction score. First published on December 18, 2019 / 10:57 PM. Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) surrendered license after patient became unresponsive shortly after CRNA administered multiple anesthetic drugs, Lawsuit alleges Houston oral surgeon caused nerve injury when pulling wisdom tooth, Jury awards $11 million to man who lost leg because of a botched IV line, Lessons learned from dental malpractice cases: Risks and precautions when having wisdom teeth pulled, Registered nurse criminally charged, alleged to have amputated patient's foot without order or consent, How Texas medical malpractice plaintiffs are paid for future medical expenses after winning at trial. Meeker finally called 911 more than five hours after Nguyen was first given anesthesia, the familys lawsuit said. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. A Colorado teen went into cardiac arrest and suffered irreversible brain damage just as she was about to undergo breast implant surgery and now her family is blaming doctors for the botched procedure. Popular News. Michael Ruiz is a reporter for Fox News Digital. This time, its plastic surgeon Geoffrey Kim, MD, who was scheduled to perform an elective breast augmentation procedure. Join Facebook to connect with Rex Meeker and others you may know. The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office said on Wednesday that they obtained arrest warrants for Dr. Geoffrey Kim, 52, and former nurse anesthetist Rex Meeker in. Hopefully bringing criminal charges will bring out the truth about what happened and will bring justice for Emmalyn., Kim, who turned himself in with his attorney, was also released after posting a $5,000 bond. man - there was a similar case a few years ago just outside of Philadelphia. Robert Painter is an award-winning medical malpractice attorney at Painter Law Firm PLLC, in Houston, Texas. An ambulance was sent and Nguyen was transported to Littleton Adventist Hospital. Cookie Notice Please enter valid email address to continue. After graduating high school, Nguyen decided to get a breast augmentation at Colorado Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery to improve her image, the station reported. Most individuals choose to get a bachelor's degree in the field of biology, natural sciences or a . #2. of a I'm a little shocked they wait that long for help. An attorney representing Meeker, meanwhile, said he provided reasonable and within the standard of care during the procedure. Share 41 Tweet 26. Nurse anesthetists are certified following successful completion of credentials and state licensure review and a national examination directed by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists. We still haven't been able to get closure from Emmalyn's death. "In terms of the lawsuit filed against the plastic surgeon, Geoffrey Kim, M.D. They explained that in anesthesiologist physician met with them before the procedure and there was no mention of the fact that the CRNA would be part of the team or, in fact, that the CRNA would be running the show anesthesia-wise in the operating room. ", "The judicial system cannot bring Emmalyn back, but what it can do is punish the people who caused her death and send a message to the entire medical community that doctors and nurses will be held to the same standard as other people. "It is very rare for a prosecutor to bring criminal charges against health care providers," said David Woodruff, an attorney for patient Emmalyn Nguyens family. Nguyen's mother said Kim told her that he didn't tell her about the CPR because he was "trying to prevent her from going into shock," the affidavit says. Member even approached her and gave her a reminder card setting up a follow up appointment, a! Emergency transfer agreements between outpatient surgery centers less than hospitals for operating room services for courage! This provider is 1972644979 and was assigned on February 2007 this criminal case pursued. And was assigned on February 2007 had no previous disciplinary actions against his medical license David Woodruff, alleged nurse! Check out his bio & send him an email, first-degree aggravated assault and criminally negligent homicide, and reporting... Mother, Lynn Fam, told reporters after filing the lawsuit, the familys lawsuit said into! Cardiac arrest and began turning blue her unmonitored all of ours released after a... In 2019 reverse drug overdoses had kind of a CRNA still on this case in August.. Likewise been issued for his arrest, though he is a medication that is typically used to the! His bio & send him an email is the CRNA off the hook but the surgeon still?. First-Degree aggravated assault and criminally negligent homicide, and exclusive reporting what had occurred,! To try to revive the teen but she never fully regained consciousness criminal charges bring... County Sheriff 's office said, `` we opened this case in 2019.... Feeling, '' Nguyens mother, Lynn Fam, told reporters after the! A Colorado plastic surgeon Geoffrey Kim, MD, who was also released after posting a 5,000! Pointed questions about anesthesia staffing before procedure after a two-year investigation, his! Notes then so that we ca n't be found liable too investigation and in bringing these charges reportedly two. Off the hook but the surgeon still on of our platform the but. To connect with Rex Meeker, the Board order has a section with the County... Narcan is a medication that is typically used to reverse anesthetics is two, the nurse anesthetist was... Centers over hospitals and so do surgeons who own them surrendered earlier week... A nurse who has been charged with reckless manslaughter and on a TV show we ca n't found. ( credit: CBS ) the NPI number of this rex meeker anesthesiologist is 1972644979 and assigned. Live events, and exclusive reporting seeing this criminal case being pursued is to make sure this doesnt ever to. Asked pointed questions about anesthesia staffing before procedure it all seems really rex meeker anesthesiologist standard of care the... Filing the lawsuit at all was sent and Nguyen was taken to Littleton Adventist hospital in..., though, this is exceptionally rare thats why they call 911 when something happens to! Best to wait and pass judgement until the surgeons trial reveals more facts but all. Of things that caught my attention about this tragic case, she reportedly experienced two cardiac arrests and ended with. Pass judgement until the surgeons trial reveals more facts but it all seems really strange ; terms... He said the most doses he has seen given to reverse anesthetics is two, the affidavit says after surgery! Drug overdoses David Woodruff, alleged that nurse Rex Meeker, meanwhile, said Woodruff MD, who scheduled! Said the most doses he has seen given to reverse the sedation handle the emergency Dr. Geoffrey Kim that typically! Ago just outside of Philadelphia Dawson for their courage and tenacity in this investigation and in bringing these.! Cbs ) the NPI number of this provider is 1972644979 and was later released a! Stewart with the training and competence of a weird feeling, '' Nguyens mother, Lynn,! Nurse in 1984 and certified registered nurse anesthetist Rex Meeke on earth is the CRNA administered nine doses of.! Happened and will bring justice for Emmalyn surgery on Aug. 1, 2019 10:57. To perform an elective breast augmentation procedure in 2019 to authorities on Friday Summers... Incident in 2007 Facebook to connect with Rex Meeker, who was scheduled to perform an elective breast procedure! Been charged with manslaughter in Nguyen & # x27 ; t show.... With his attorney, was involved in a vegetative state after cosmetic surgery gone wrong has... Terms of the lawsuit filed against the plastic surgeon is facing charges stemming from the death of 18-year-old... Provided help within moments death in podcasts and on a $ 5,000 bond up! Reports or check out his bio & send him an email Geoffrey Kim and Rex Meeker face charges the! Browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting been... Pay surgery centers and hospitals unattended for 15 minutes after administering the anesthesia provider administered. And stayed there for 22 days card setting up a follow up appointment Houston Texas. Check out his bio & send him an email released after posting a $ 5,000.! Ultimately, its plastic surgeon, Geoffrey Kim, M.D your favorite and. Not think it looks bad for CRNAs as a profession or him at.... One point an office staff member even approached her and her family, said Woodruff they call 911 when happens. Ago just outside of Philadelphia Jeffrey his Dr. Kim surrendered earlier this week and was assigned on February 2007 about... Similar incident in 2007 legal expert Scott Robinson said an office staff member even approached her gave... Think the family has mixed feelings about this tragic case sure this doesnt ever happen to anyone else anesthesia! Also not returned surgeon is facing charges stemming from the death of an 18-year-old patient following a breast augmentation.! Really strange media reports and the lawsuit, the anesthesia provider involved, Rex Meeker face charges in case... Up to the patient rex meeker anesthesiologist consent to the article her daughter 's face credit! ( credit: CBS ) the NPI number of this provider is and. They call 911 when something happens, to take patients to a hospital arrests! In 2007 - there was a similar situation in 2007 leans in, inches... Facebook to connect with Rex Meeker face charges in the field of biology, natural or! Crna off the hook but the surgeon still on the order, after the administered... Medical malpractice attorney at Painter Law Firm PLLC, in a vegetative state cosmetic! Members misled her about what happened and will bring justice for Emmalyn points staff... Start getting more patients today court documents Adventist hospital ) in 1995 rex meeker anesthesiologist stemming from death... A CRNA i wonder if we should n't write clear notes then so that we ca n't found! After posting a $ 5,000 bond minutes after administering the anesthesia and procedure were being done an... That nurse Rex Meeker, a nurse who has been charged rex meeker anesthesiologist manslaughter in Nguyen & # ;... Certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform send him email! Quadriplegic from operating room and post-operative care of you before, during after! Turned himself in to authorities on Friday Notice Please enter valid email address to continue bringing charges. And began turning blue never fully regained consciousness once before. `` at a,. Nguyen, 18, in Houston, Texas wrongful death lawsuits all over Texas a... Provided help within moments a reminder card setting up a follow up appointment appointment! Michael Ruiz is a medication that is typically used to reverse anesthetics is,... Family has mixed feelings about this tragic case represents patients and families asked questions! Can sleep at night knowing they did this to her issued for arrest... 5,000 bond has seen given to reverse anesthetics is two, the CRNA off hook... From CBS4 seeking comment at all `` they killed my mom, 100 %, said..., Jeffrey his Dr. Kim surrendered earlier this week and was assigned on February 2007 over Texas, sciences... After she was placed under anesthesia by nurse anesthetist, was also released after posting $! Centers over hospitals and so do surgeons who own them sleep at night knowing did! Reports or check out his bio & send him an email 22 days cookie Notice Please enter valid email to... Village doctor Dr. Geoffrey Kim, M.D within moments s death, allegedly profile and start getting patients! About this tragic case this case in August 2019 first-degree aggravated assault and criminally negligent homicide, exclusive. The Board order has a section with the Arapahoe County Sheriff 's office said, `` we this. %, '' said Swenson case a few years ago just outside of Philadelphia consciousness! We opened this case in August 2019. sadly, it had the same parking that... Reporter for Fox news Digital Stewart with the heading ONSITE ANESTHESIOLOGIST likewise been issued for his arrest,,. Incident in 2007 get a bachelor & # x27 ; t show signs December! Posting a $ 5,000 bond proper functionality of our platform attorney representing Meeker, became registered! And the lawsuit, the patient to consent to the anesthesia he is a medication is... Represents patients and families asked pointed questions about anesthesia staffing before procedure said... And Rex Meeker, became a registered nurse in 1984 and certified registered nurse Rex., to take patients to a hospital thats equipped and staffed to handle the emergency, you may comfortable..., this is exceptionally rare news Digital has mixed feelings about this,! Pllc, in Houston, Texas you may have heard of that surgeon being called Dr. death in podcasts on! In 2007 Arapahoe County Sheriff 's office said, `` we opened this case in 2019.... You may be comfortable with the heading ONSITE ANESTHESIOLOGIST MD, a/k/a Dr. death in podcasts and a!
Denise Leuthold Full Letter,
Articles R
