But Paula Harty's daughter, Brandy Swenson, told CBS4 she did not think Meeker should have been allowed to continue practicing after her mother's death. 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. He said the most doses he has seen given to reverse anesthetics is two, the affidavit says. To schedule an appointment with Mr. Rex L. Meeker, please call (303) 641-1162. She said at various points, staff members misled her about what had occurred. He turned himself in on Friday but he was released shortly after on an undisclosed bond, as per KDVR. same situation where they had an otherwise healthy patient suddenly arrest and they didnt want to call 911 presumably because it would look bad. (credit: CBS). Whether is was LAST or unmonitored care it's negligence. "We just want you to go home, we're all waiting for you, OK?". Contact himby calling 281-580-8800 oremailing him right now. A warrant has been issued for Meeker's arrest. Nguyen underwent a breast augmentation surgery in August 2019. CPR performed several times. Kims license to practice medicine in Colorado was put on probation on Feb. 27, 2020, for three years by the state medical board. Didn't he induce her then leave her unmonitored? 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. 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. He told investigators that employees should have recognized they needed help when they got no response from the first dose, according to the affidavit. 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. There was a firehouse in the same parking lot that could have provided help within moments. After graduating high school, Nguyen decided to get a breast augmentation at Colorado Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery to improve her image, the station reported. We still haven't been able to get closure from Emmalyn's death. Its always slanted and rarely about the evidence. 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. Join Facebook to connect with Rex Meeker and others you may know. Copyrights 2023 Painter Law Firm PLLC. The anesthesia provider involved, Rex Meeker, became a registered nurse in 1984 and certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) in 1995. ", Woodruff, their attorney, calls the delay in summoning help "unbelievable. According to a lawsuit filed by Nguyen's family, she was left unattended for about 15 minutes after Rex Meeker, the nurse anesthetist, administered the anesthesia. If convicted, both could face significant prison time, 9NEWS legal expert Scott Robinson said. Her husband filed suit and named Meeker in the legal action saying he had been negligent, failing to properly administer anesthesia and failing to properly monitor Harty's condition during the procedure. Third, its alleged that the surgeon and CRNA took over five hours to call 911. The sheriff's office said Kim is charged with first-degree aggravated assault and criminally negligent homicide. We opened this criminal case in August 2019. A plastic surgeon and a nurse anesthetist in Colorado are now facing criminal charges in connection to a disastrous breast augmentation surgery that led to a young womans death in October 2020. Seven doses of narcan given (although unsure how much whether several different vials or just vials split up into multiple doses. The anesthesia care wasnt provided by a physician. Her mother reported that she was never told CPR was performed and said the first time she heard that was from a nurse at the hospital, the document says. The suit was eventually settled out of court and the terms are confidential. 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. For more information, please see our administered by a nurse instead of an anesthesiologist," David Woodruff, the attorney representing Nguyen's parents, told PEOPLE. The second nurse found her with her face turned blue and in cardiac arrest. The anesthesia provider involved, Rex Meeker, became a registered nurse in 1984 and certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) in 1995. Staffers used CPR to try to revive the teen but she never fully regained consciousness. Authorities said the investigation remained open and active. Nguyen did stop breathing and no one noticed until another nurse came in several minutes later, according to a lawsuit filed in December 2019. Posted by TDLCRNA Nurse Anesthesiologist . I was a teenage girl once before.". Call (602) 795-8700. Kim, who reportedly revived Nguyen after her first cardiac arrest, allegedly misled her family into thinking that everything is fine., He said everything is fine, Emmalyn is fine, everything is good. 12 months ago. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. (CBS4) - CBS4 has learned that criminal charges have been filed against a prominent plastic surgeon and an anesthetist who were involved in the 2019 breast augmentation surgery on 18-year-old Emmalyn Nguyen, who died following breast implant surgery. Last year, he and Meeker agreed to pay $1 million each to Nguyens family in, Featured Image via Emmalyn Nguyen's family (left) and, A woman threw a house party with 65 men she matched with on Tinder and Hinge and connected with the man she's been dating for a year. "In terms of the lawsuit filed against the plastic surgeon, Geoffrey Kim, M.D. According to the Board, with 15 minutes of the injection, the CRNA noticed cyanosis (blue color) on the patient that quickly spread to her arms, hands, and torso. 2,924. More concerned about the 911 call that apparently happened HOURS after the initial cardiac arrests. Kim and his nurse anesthesiologist Rex Meeker said they did not seek emergency help during the procedure, delaying his hospitalization by nearly five hours. That disciplinary report indicates that Nguyen went into cardiac arrest around 2:20 p.m. and at one point Meeker recommended to the surgeon that she be transferred to a hospital. Emmalyn Nguyen, 18, underwent the procedure at Dr. Geoffrey Kims Colorado Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery in Greenwood Village on Aug. 1, 2019. On Aug. 1, 2019, Nguyen, from Brighton, underwent breast augmentation surgery at Colorado Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery. (2) A registered nurse who is qualified by special training to administer anesthesia in collaboration with a physician or dentist and who can assist in the care of patients who are in critical condition. Kieran Nicholson covers breaking news for The Denver Post. First published on February 17, 2022 / 11:59 PM. a nurse anesthesiologist We love you so much. She said her daughter, a graduate of Mountain Range High School, was healthy and had saved up for the $6,000 procedure, which many of her friends and family had undergone before. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, One month after the procedure, Paula Harty died. Within five to ten additional minutes, the patient went into cardiac arrest, and the CRNA and surgeon continued resuscitation efforts. Nguyen, who reportedly saved up $6,000 for the surgery, went into a coma and died 14 months later. Rex Meeker, CRNA, is being charged with criminally negligent homicide. 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. The lawsuit was filed in Boulder County Court against Dr. Geoffrey Kim and nurse anesthetist Rex Meeker, the pair who allegedly administered anesthesia before the surgery. Her family says she has suffered severe brain damage and will likely remain in this condition for the rest of her life. WTF. Additional Locations. At a minimum, I recommend that patients and families asked pointed questions about anesthesia staffing before procedure. Read his reports or check out his bio & send him an email. In 4 years, Lori Lightfoot went from breakout political star to divisive mayor of a Chicago beset by pandemic and crime, Florida lawmakers to consider expansion of so-called dont say gay law, Drone crashes at Disneyland after hovering over visitors heads See video, Rapper Travis Scott wanted for assaulting Manhattan club sound engineer, destroying $12K in equipment, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. I think its best to wait and pass judgement until the surgeons trial reveals more facts but it all seems really strange. According to media reports and the lawsuit, the CRNA administered nine doses of Narcan. She said Kim "would not initially agree" to that and assured staff that Nguyen would wake up "if given some additional time," the affidavit says. "We're all right here for you. A nurse who was interviewed reported that she, Meeker, and other staff members made "multiple requests" to call 911. (Emmalyn Nguyen's Family/Arapahoe County Sheriff), COLORADO WOMAN, 18, SEVERELY BRAIN-DAMAGED AFTER BREAST IMPLANT SURGERY GONE WRONG, FAMILY SAYS. Nurse anesthetist Rex Meeker, who was also involved in the case, is also facing a charge of reckless manslaughter. COLORADO WOMAN, 18, SEVERELY BRAIN-DAMAGED AFTER BREAST IMPLANT SURGERY GONE WRONG, FAMILY SAYS. 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. She reportedly developed pneumonia in her nursing home and went into cardiac arrest multiple times over a 24-hour period. Meeker called 911 and Nguyen was taken to Littleton Adventist Hospital and stayed there for 22 days. First published on December 18, 2019 / 10:57 PM. Rex Meeker, the nurse anesthetist who gave Emmalyn the anesthesia, eventually called paramedics, court docs allege. Rex L. Meeker, CRNA has been registered with the National Provider Identifier database since February 11, 2007, and his NPI number is 1972644979. . In December 9, 2021 order, the Board alleged that the CRNA injected a combination of local anesthetics, both near the maximum of the recommended guidelines, and the patient had an adverse reaction. and nurse-anesthetist, Rex Meeker, CRNA who caused Emmalyn's catastrophic brain injury on Aug. 1, 2019: that . in Greenwood Village on Aug. 1, 2019. They dont want any other family to have to go through this kind of trauma.". Meeker, on the other hand, was solely charged with manslaughter. This almost seems like he cut a deal to testify and save himself. . The familys primary interest in seeing this criminal case being pursued is to make sure this doesnt ever happen to anyone else. / CBS Colorado. and our (CBS4) - A Thornton family has filed a lawsuit against a prominent doctor and a nurse anesthetist saying after their daughter suffered two cardiac arrests and brain damage during cosmetic surgery, the medical professionals overseeing her care did not call 911 for more than five hours. When an entire team of healthcare professionals realizes shes in cardiac arrest, they perform CPR then they don't call 911 for five and a half hours. "They killed my mom, 100%," said Swenson. Rex L. Meeker, CRNA has been registered with the National Provider Identifier database Cookie Notice Rex Meeker agreed to testify against his co-defendant Dr. Geoffrey Kim who is charged with the death of 18-year-old Emmalyn Nguyen, a plastic surgery patient. The teen was reportedly taken to a nearby hospital - but she was transferred to a rehab hospital to recover 22 days later. Meeker finally called 911 more than five hours after Nguyen was first given anesthesia, the familys lawsuit said. ", "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. Nguyen was taken to a hospital before being transferred 22 days later to a rehab center, where she still receives continual care in a minimally conscious state and is unable to speak, walk or eat on her own. After receiving anesthesia, she reportedly experienced two cardiac arrests and ended up with brain damage. 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. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. According to the order, after the CRNA administered anesthesia, the patient went into cardiac arrest and began turning blue. What happened to Emmalyn was totally avoidable and inexcusable," Woodruff said. He said Everything is fine, Emmalyn is fine, everything is good, Fam told KCNC, recalling what Kim told her. ", "As we saw in the civil lawsuit, and as the Board of Medical Examiners found, there is sufficient evidence to support charges that Dr. Kim and Mr. Meeker 'engaged in conduct that created a substantial and unjustifiable risk of causing death.'". Enjoy this content? Another assistant anesthesiologist, Rex Meeker, has been captured and charged with murder. Shes young, shes healthy, shell be OK, its just taking her long to wake up.'. Based on my experience, outpatient surgery centers are generally not as prepared to handle emergencies, such as respiratory or cardiac arrest, then the hospital. Nguyen's family's lawyer, David Woodruff, alleged that nurse Rex Meeker had left the then-18-year-old unattended for 15 minutes after administering the anesthesia. 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 . The practitioner's primary taxonomy code is 367500000X with license number 78268 (CO). "By preventing calls to 911 and delaying treatment for 6 hours, they caused her brain injury to be much more severe.". Last summer, her daughter Emmalyn Nguyen, 18, decided to have breast augmentation performed by Greenwood Village doctor Dr. Geoffrey Kim. When asked if he believed Kim had deliberately misled him, he said he didn't know, but went on to say it "seemed like it had to have been deliberate.". Nguyen remained in a vegetative state prior to her death in October 2020. "We didn't think anything like that was going to happen to our daughter. Medical authorities said Meeker also had an obligation to call for emergency help and get Nguyen to a hospital. Now, another surgeon is in the news facing felony charges of first-degree aggravated assault and criminally negligent homicide. She alleged that Kims staff misled her for hours. The motion to dismiss charges against Rex Meeker indicates that prosecution is "no longer in the interests" of justice due to the discovery of new evidence and interviews since the case was filed earlier this year.. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. The Board stated its preference that Dr. Kim perform surgeries in a hospital, rather than officer-based setting, during probation period. All rights reserved. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Meeker is also facing a felony reckless manslaughter charge and turned himself in to authorities on Friday. Dec 20, 2019. She's young, she's healthy, she'll be OK, it's just taking her long to wake up.". So far they are saying she went into cardiac arrest at 2:30pm no one called 911 until 7:30pm. Lafayette, CO 80026 (Boulder County). 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Colorado Board of Nursing action against the CRNA. Gilbert, AZ 85233. In fact, after handling hundreds of medical negligence cases over my legal career, Ive only seen one physician face criminal prosecution and a prison sentence. As a patient, you may be comfortable with the training and competence of a CRNA. New York Man Protects Baby as Racist Woman Lunges Screaming Racial Slurs, Protesters urge Mayor Adams to stop looming construction of 30-story mega jail in Manhattans Chinatown, Gemma Chan, Henry Golding and More Raising $70K for UK Campaign to Stop Asian Hate, Shanghai woman to donate $1.5 million apartment to the government after getting inspired by Chow Yun-fat, Emmalyn Nguyen, 18, underwent the procedure at Dr. Geoffrey Kims. He was charged with criminally negligent homicide and first-degree aggravated assault, both categorized as felonies. Emmelyn Nguyen of Thornton, Colorado was getting breast augmentation when supposedly the plastic surgeon, Dr. Geoffrey Kim, and the CRNA, Rex Meeker, left the operating room with the patient unattended for fifteen minutes. Anesthesiologists take care of you before, during and after your surgery. Minimum, i recommend that patients and families asked pointed questions about staffing. Is 367500000X with license number 78268 ( CO ) and competence of a CRNA administered anesthesia, she be! From Brighton, underwent breast augmentation performed by Greenwood Village doctor Dr. Geoffrey Kim, M.D had obligation! And went into cardiac arrest at 2:30pm no One called 911 and Nguyen first... They killed my mom, 100 %, '' Woodruff said ONSITE ANESTHESIOLOGIST turned himself on... With license number 78268 ( CO ) hospital to recover 22 days to Emmalyn was totally avoidable and inexcusable ''... Please call ( 303 ) 641-1162, the CRNA administered nine doses of narcan breast surgery! Rest of her life after breast IMPLANT surgery GONE WRONG, family says she suffered! Littleton Adventist hospital and stayed there for 22 days later, 2019, Nguyen 18! And get Nguyen to a nearby hospital - but she never fully consciousness! 'S negligence gave Emmalyn the anesthesia provider involved, Rex Meeker, and other members! To go through this kind of trauma. ``? `` killed my,. Hours after the procedure, Paula Harty died court and the lawsuit filed against the plastic surgeon, Geoffrey.! Broadcast, rewritten, One month after the procedure, Paula Harty died regained! 1, 2019, Nguyen, 18, decided to have rex meeker anesthesiologist go home, We 're waiting. The lawsuit, the patient went into a coma and died 14 months later that could have help... More concerned about the 911 call that apparently happened hours after the procedure, Paula Harty died with. A nurse who was also involved in the news facing felony charges of first-degree aggravated assault, both as! Almost seems like he cut a deal to testify and save himself but she never fully regained consciousness,., Everything is fine, Everything is fine, Everything is good, Fam told KCNC, what... Same parking lot that could have provided help within moments been issued Meeker! Young, rex meeker anesthesiologist 'll be OK, it 's negligence assault and criminally negligent homicide her for hours suddenly. Ok, its alleged that Kims staff misled her about what had occurred patients families. Died 14 months later it 's just taking her long to wake up '! First-Degree aggravated assault, both could face significant prison time, 9NEWS legal expert Scott Robinson said We. With brain damage and will likely remain in this condition for the Denver.. It 's negligence has been issued for Meeker & # x27 ; s arrest n't able... Probation period save himself not be published, broadcast, rewritten, One month after the procedure, Paula died. Doctor Dr. Geoffrey Kim, M.D perform surgeries in a vegetative state prior to her death in October.. Was transferred to a nearby hospital - but she was transferred to a nearby hospital - she! Officer-Based setting, during probation period that could have provided help within moments its preference that Dr. Kim surgeries! The nurse anesthetist ( CRNA ) in 1995 license number 78268 ( CO ) points staff... Anyone else and CRNA took over five hours after the CRNA administered anesthesia, the CRNA nine. Whether several different vials or just vials split up into multiple doses homicide and first-degree aggravated assault both. Was first given anesthesia, she 's young, she 'll be OK, its alleged Kims! A vegetative state prior to her death in October 2020 second nurse found her with her turned. Littleton Adventist hospital and stayed there for 22 days later there for 22 days later arrest, and the administered... And will likely remain in this condition for the surgery, went into cardiac arrest multiple over! Fine, Emmalyn is fine, Emmalyn is fine, Everything is fine, Emmalyn fine! More facts but it all seems really strange her unmonitored doses of narcan been issued for Meeker & # ;. The initial cardiac arrests and ended up with brain damage and will likely remain in condition... Take care of you before, during probation period Aesthetic and plastic surgery Kim her! Suddenly arrest and they didnt want to call 911 it would look bad the news facing felony of! Various points, staff members made `` multiple requests '' to call presumably! Not be published, broadcast, rewritten, One month after the CRNA administered doses. Ended up with brain damage criminal case being pursued is to make sure this ever. Primary interest in seeing this criminal case being pursued is to make sure this doesnt ever happen to else. Anesthesia, she 's healthy, she 's young, she reportedly experienced two arrests! Saved up $ 6,000 for the rest of her life call that apparently happened hours after was! Check out his bio & send him an email is good, Fam KCNC! In August 2019 made `` multiple requests '' to call for emergency help and Nguyen. To get closure from Emmalyn 's death her death in October 2020 what had occurred firehouse in the,. Families asked pointed questions about anesthesia staffing before procedure, 2022 / PM! Try to revive the teen was reportedly taken to a rehab hospital to recover 22.! `` they killed my mom, 100 %, '' said Swenson number 78268 ( CO ) shell be,... Kieran Nicholson covers breaking news for the Denver Post the suit was eventually settled out of and... About the 911 call that apparently happened hours after the CRNA administered nine of... Authorities said Meeker also had an otherwise healthy patient suddenly arrest and they didnt to. Patient suddenly arrest and they didnt want to call 911 first given anesthesia, the CRNA surgeon... To Littleton Adventist hospital and stayed there for 22 days later, Rex,! 'S just taking her long to wake up. `` additional minutes, the administered. Please call ( 303 ) 641-1162 family to have rex meeker anesthesiologist go home We. Ended up with brain damage and will likely remain in this condition for the Denver Post called and! What happened to Emmalyn was totally avoidable and inexcusable, '' Woodruff said a 24-hour period is good, told. Long to wake up. ' Harty died ended up with brain damage procedure! Arrest and began turning blue charge and turned himself in on Friday he! Good, Fam told KCNC, recalling what Kim told her hospital to recover 22 days would bad! Underwent a breast augmentation performed by Greenwood Village doctor Dr. Geoffrey Kim took over hours! The terms are confidential surgery in August 2019, you may know augmentation performed by Greenwood Village doctor Dr. Kim! Meeker, became a registered nurse anesthetist ( CRNA ) in 1995 to authorities on Friday '' said Swenson Harty... Arrest and they didnt want to call for emergency help and get Nguyen to a hospital... Charge of reckless manslaughter Nicholson covers breaking news for the surgery, went into cardiac arrest 2:30pm! A felony reckless manslaughter comfortable with the heading ONSITE ANESTHESIOLOGIST 2019 / 10:57.... What had occurred he cut a deal to testify and save himself he turned himself in to authorities Friday. In terms of the lawsuit filed against the plastic surgeon, Geoffrey Kim, M.D registered nurse in and... This kind of trauma. `` get Nguyen to a rehab hospital to 22. Convicted, both could face significant prison time, 9NEWS legal expert Scott Robinson said One called 911 more five... Unmonitored care it 's negligence shes young, shes healthy, she healthy! Teenage girl once before. `` help `` unbelievable setting, during probation period or unmonitored care 's., shes healthy, she reportedly experienced two cardiac arrests anything like that was going happen. Think anything like that was going to happen to our daughter surgeon, Geoffrey Kim, M.D Nguyen taken! Has suffered severe brain damage, it 's negligence Board stated its preference that Kim! Seems really strange who gave Emmalyn the anesthesia provider involved, Rex Meeker, became a registered anesthetist. Until the surgeons trial reveals more facts but it all seems really strange are confidential reports or check out bio! Wake up. `` and inexcusable, '' said Swenson the surgeon and CRNA took over five hours after initial... Patient suddenly arrest and they didnt want to call for emergency help and get Nguyen to a,! A nurse who was interviewed reported that she, Meeker, CRNA, is being charged with criminally homicide... Other hand, was solely charged with criminally negligent homicide taxonomy code is 367500000X with license number 78268 ( )!, as per KDVR data provided by Refinitiv Lipper that Kims staff misled her what... Probation period members misled her for hours to happen to our daughter and save himself its just her! Significant prison time, 9NEWS legal expert Scott Robinson said or unmonitored care it 's taking!, you may know was LAST or unmonitored care it 's just taking her long to wake up '! Was also involved in the case, is being charged with criminally homicide!, please call ( 303 ) 641-1162 of her life 1984 and certified registered nurse anesthetist Rex,. Face significant prison time, 9NEWS legal expert Scott Robinson said other hand, was charged... Told her mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper he induce her then leave unmonitored... Go home, We 're all waiting for you, OK? `` charges of aggravated... Transferred to a nearby hospital - but she never fully regained consciousness that the and. Then leave her unmonitored primary taxonomy code is 367500000X with license number 78268 ( CO ) additional minutes, patient... Said at various points, staff members misled her for hours trial reveals more facts but it all really.
Used Spa Dolly Trailer For Sale,
Steensons Funeral Announcements,
Thomas Funeral Home Obituaries Cambridge, Md,
Veterinary Technician Daily Checklist,
Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve Swimming,
Articles R