Medical Tragedy – Hurricane Katrina
Chapter 10 – Did Medical Personnel Kill Patients in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina?
Were dozens of patent’s deaths the result of mercy killings at New Orleans Memorial Medical Center? The ferocious hurricane, plus poor responses from city, state, and FEMA officials led to a disastrous evacuation of the medical facility. According to one news source, “By the third day without water, sanitation and power to run medical equipment; dwindling food supplies; and temperatures reaching 110 degrees, caregivers began debating among themselves about euthanasia.”[1] The hospital was surrounded by flood waters, and many of the patients and staff were evacuated by helicopter or boat. The sickest patients were left behind with staff who planned to stay until help arrived. But help as not forthcoming, and those in the hospital were on their own. It has been alleged that doctors and nurses administered lethal doses of medication to up to 34 people in the aftermath of Katrina. Legally, this is second degree murder.
Medical Tragedy – Hurricane Katrina
What should be done in cases of forced abandonment? What obligations do doctors have to patients? If indeed these were mercy killings, given the circumstances, did the doctors and nurse act compassionately or did they kill their patients? Review the sections on mercy death and mercy killing, and do an internet search on the Katrina situation. Take a position on this issues, have reasons to support your views, and discuss.
Medical Tragedy – Hurricane Katrina
What should be done in cases of forced abandonment? What obligations do doctors have to patients? If indeed these were mercy killings, given the circumstances, did the doctors and nurse act compassionately or did they kill their patients? Review the sections on mercy death and mercy killing, and do an internet search on the Katrina situation. Take a position on this issues, have reasons to support your views, and discuss. APA.
[1] “Euthanasia in Katrina aftermath?” World Net Daily, October 13, 2005. www.wnd.com/?pageid-32833