A tragic blunder at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington, led to the unjust treatment of lifestyle assistance from the bad patient, eventually causing his death. David Wells was falsely identified as his medical companion, Mike Beehler.
After choking on a piece of sirloin, Wells was taken to the hospital in August 2021. Yet, due to a mix-up, medical personnel believed Wells was Beehler and falsely contacted Beehler’s girl, Debbie Danielson, asking her to make the decision about removing living support, the New York Post reports.
” They said,’ He’s generally mental dead,'” Danielson recalled.” ‘ Do you want us to continue placing him on life assist, or do you want to stop? Danielson consented to stop living help because she believed she was choosing the right path for her nephew.
A week later, Danielson received a telephone call from her brother—alive and well—which made her realize the damaging error.
” I said,’ You can’t be dead. You’re lifeless!'” she told investigators.
Wells ‘ system had already been delivered to a funeral home, and erroneously mentioning Beehler as dying had been published in the neighborhood newspapers. Beehler’s home, along with Wells ‘ child, soon discovered the mistake when authorities and health officials confirmed that it was Wells who had died, no Beehler.
Shawn Wells, David’s son, described the situation as “disturbing” and said the decision made on his father’s behalf is something he can never undo. “I’ll never be able to get that decision back”, he told local news.
Wells ‘ family and Beehler’s relatives have filed lawsuits against Peace Health, the ambulance service, and others involved. They are suing for damages for this life-changing error’s negligence and emotional suffering.
” This is beyond upsetting”, said Wells ‘ son. ” They dropped the ball so egregiously”.
