A former nurse is taking legal action against a hospital after witnessing an incident three years ago.
Marilyn Espinola, the ex-nurse, described an incident on March 2, 2020, when fire engulfed an elderly patient’s face during a bilateral temporal arterial biopsy procedure at Sunshine Hospital in St Albans, Australia.
Espinola remembers hearing the surgeon yell out “fire!” as flames enveloped the patient’s face. She tried to put out the flames while her colleagues scrambled to control the situation. Amid the chaos, burning clothing fell to the floor.
Adding to the crisis, the hospital’s emergency button malfunctioned, causing a delay in Espinola’s efforts to secure immediate aid. The patient suffered significant burns with charred, black skin on her face, and was later transported to another facility for multiple surgeries on her face, neck, jaw and one hand.
In the process, Espinola sustained an injury to her ankle, which she alleges the hospital failed to handle appropriately and was reported belatedly to WorkSafe Victoria. Post-event, Espinola was diagnosed with PTSD and depression, leading to panic attacks and hindering her return to work.
Her legal team is now pursuing compensation for her emotional trauma and lost income, arguing that the hospital should have been prepared for potential surgical fires and implemented appropriate safety precautions.
As the legal case is ongoing, the management of Sunshine Hospital declined to comment, citing confidentiality. Espinola hopes for an extensive investigation to enforce accountability and prevent similar future occurrences.