August 17th, 2007

"Army Medical Center in Honolulu to Pay for Medical Malpractice"

In May 2004, 5-month-old Parker Kohl developed RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), a viral disease. He also had a preexisting heart condition. His parents Darius and Karen Kohl took him to Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) in Honolulu, Hawaii. At the time, Darius Kohl was in the military. The care that Parker received at TAMC was found to be negligent by a U.S. district judge yesterday; the family was awarded $9.4 million dollars as compensation for the medical malpractice at TAMC that left Parker blind and unable to speak or walk.

Removal of Breathing Tube

Judge David Ezra ruled that Parker suffered brain damage after TAMC staff, including doctors, failed to monitor his vital signs and ensure that intravenous access was available, before Parker suffered respiratory failure. His parents brought Parker to TAMC in early May 2004, and he was placed in the pediatric intensive care unit, with a breathing tube. Hospital doctors removed the breathing tube on the 12th because they thought that his condition had improved.

However, Parker's condition worsened. A nurse observed his deteriorating condition and tried to get doctors to intervene, but she was unsuccessful. Parker stopped breathing the next day, and when staff doctors tried to revive him, it was too late; the damage to his brain was irreversible.

Failure to Provide Adequate Care

The court found that the TAMC staff failed to provide adequate care for Parker, with failure to

• reattach Parker 's breathing tube
• monitor and respond to his deteriorating condition
• give a blood gas test that would have indicated Parker's respiratory failure
• start intravenous access
• wean Parker off of narcotic medication

Permanent, Severe Damage

Parker is now three years old. His IQ level is that of a baby who is less than a year old; he is tube-fed and has a tracheotomy for breathing. He and his family now live in Fort Lewis, Washington, and his parents have stated their relief that the award will help cover the costs of Parker's medical care.

TAMC released a written statement acknowledging the verdict, saying, "Tripler Army Medical Center respects the decision made by the U.S. District Court."

(Source: Star Bulletin online)

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