An 18-month-old boy who was declared dead by a doctor at an Arizona hospital was later found alive in the hospital morgue more than five hours later, according to reports.
According to the Daily Mail, the toddler was found unresponsive in his family’s swimming pool on February 8 at approximately 5:30 p.m. and was rushed to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. Shortly after arriving at the hospital, the child was pronounced dead.
However, approximately five and a half hours later, hospital staff entered the morgue and discovered that the toddler was still alive.
Officers Reportedly Raised Concerns Before Pronouncement
According to police reports, an officer at the family’s home said he heard a nurse state that the child had a pulse and immediately alerted the attending physician.
The report alleges the doctor responded by telling the officer that “he has the medical degree, he went to medical school for a reason, and to let him do his thing.” Moments later, the child was officially pronounced deceased.
Other responding officers also reported observing possible signs of life, including gasping. A nurse later told a female officer who heard an audible gasp that the sounds could have been a reflexive response related to lifesaving efforts.
Child Suffers Severe Brain Injury
After hospital staff discovered the toddler was alive in the morgue, he was immediately transferred to Phoenix Children’s Hospital for emergency treatment. Officials said the child survived but sustained severe brain damage.
According to reports, he will require lifelong medical care as a result of his injuries.