I just came across this amazing story. A man in Britain whose wife died during routine surgery is trying to help the medical field learn from the tragedy. And it all stems from a failed airway situation very much like we saw in our last verdict for the Tagalos family.
As a pilot, Martin Bromiley has been taught safety procedures and communication methods to help address the “human factors” that cause 75% of airplane accidents. But he doesn’t see the medical profession recognizing these same factors, or taking measures to address them. Surely many medical tragedies—like his own wife’s death– could be prevented if it did.
Like Mr. Bromily I believe that the vast majority of our doctors and medical professionals are well prepared and well intentioned. But doctors, like pilots, are real humans with human failings who hold our lives in their hands. Let’s join with Mr. Bromily in supporting common-sense safety and communications procedures to make medicine safer.
