How Did A Hospital Let A Cancer Patient’s Face Catch ON FIRE?

A cancer patient’s face caught fire during surgery, leading to a $900,000 lawsuit against an Oregon hospital.

This is one of the most insane stories we’ve ever published.

At a Glance

  • John Michael Murdoch suffered severe burns during a tracheostomy procedure
  • A spark from a surgical tool ignited alcohol on Murdoch’s face while he was conscious
  • The incident is described as a “never” event, meaning it should not have occurred
  • There are an estimated 90 to 100 surgical fires annually in the U.S.
  • The lawsuit claims the surgical tool had a history of sparking

Tragic Surgical Fire Incident

An insane new lawsuit has been filed against Oregon Health and Science University after a cancer patient’s face caught fire during surgery.

Yes – it caught on fire.

John Michael Murdoch, who was undergoing a tracheostomy in December 2022, suffered severe burns when a spark from a surgical tool ignited alcohol on his face while he was conscious.

The incident, described as a “never” event, has raised serious questions about safety protocols in medical procedures. Murdoch lived with the scars for the last six months of his life before sadly succumbing to cancer in June 2023. The lawsuit, seeking $900,000 in damages, names Dr. Adam Howard and the surgical staff as defendants.

The lawsuit alleges that the surgical tool used had a history of sparking, and the fire was fueled by oxygen and unevaporated isopropyl alcohol. This combination of factors led to the tragic outcome. Approximately 70% of surgical fires are caused by sparks or heat from electrosurgical tools, with alcohol-based skin preparations being common fuel sources.

“This is a ‘never’ event — it never should have happened,” attorney Ron Cheng told The Oregonian.

While surgical fires are relatively rare, with an estimated 90 to 100 cases annually in the U.S., they are preventable with proper precautions. The American College of Surgeons emphasizes the critical need for vigilance in preventing such incidents to ensure patient safety.

Now you have more things to worry about next time you go for surgery…