A toddler who was declared dead after being pulled from a pool was later found breathing in a hospital morgue, sparking a shocking investigation. Vincent Fiordilino, 18 months old at the time, was found face down in his family's swimming pool in Phoenix, Arizona, at 6:20pm on a Super Bowl Sunday gathering.
He was taken to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, where he was seen by several medical professionals, but was initially thought to have died. His parents insisted that their son was still gasping for air, but they were ignored, according to a police report. Two police officers and a nurse also questioned whether or not Vincent was breathing, with one officer claiming to have heard an 'audible gasp', while hospital staff described it as 'agonal breathing'.
Moments before a doctor declared him dead, another officer heard a nurse say 'I have a pulse'. However, the doctor allegedly responded arrogantly, telling them to let him do his thing, despite concerns being raised. The doctor, identified only as A.Toosi, has since apologized for his behavior.
Vincent was left in the hospital morgue for several hours before being discovered alive at 11:52pm by a medical transporter. He was then airlifted to a children's hospital and is likely to need lifelong care. The police report also highlighted that his parents had smoked cannabis and failed to secure doors to the swimming pool, and that they had failed to properly supervise their son.
The county attorney's office is yet to make a decision on whether to charge his parents with a crime, while Mercy Gilbert Medical Center has carried out an internal investigation into the incident. Dr. Toosi's attorney has stated that there is more to the case than has been reported, but has declined to make further comment due to patient confidentiality and potential litigation.
A fundraiser has been set up to support Vincent's recovery, with his parents stating that he needs intensive care, MRIs, organ support, and therapy. The incident has sparked widespread shock and concern, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding Vincent's near-drowning and the subsequent misdiagnosis.
The investigation is being led by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, which will look into the events leading up to Vincent's near-drowning and the treatment he received at the hospital. The incident has raised questions about medical protocol and communication, and highlights the importance of thorough and accurate assessments in emergency situations.
Vincent's case has also highlighted the need for parents to prioritize their children's safety, particularly in situations where they may be unsupervised. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and attention to detail in preventing tragic accidents.
The outcome of the investigation and any potential charges against Vincent's parents remain uncertain at this time. However, the incident has already sparked a wider conversation about medical mistakes, parental responsibility, and the importance of prioritizing children's safety.
