School head died after reaction to antibiotics
CORONER’S COURT TOLD HOW MEDICS FOUGHT TO SAVE THE LIFE OF 53-YEAR-OLD DAD OF THREE
A COVENTRY headteacher died after suffering a massive allergic reaction to antibiotics prescribed by his GP, an inquest heard.
Former Crackley Hall headteacher Paul Ryan, of Thistley Fields West, Coundon, died at Coventry’s University Hospital despite the best efforts of medics to save him. An inquest at Coventry Coroner’s Court heard the 53-year-old dad-of-three had been suffering with a cold for two weeks and went to Springfield Medical Practice with his wife Julie on May 11.
There Dr Verity Biggs diagnosed him with an ear infection and prescribed a course of antibiotics containing erythromycin as opposed to the penicillin-based amoxicillin, which Mr Ryan was allergic to. But once home, Mr Ryan started developing a rash and called the GP surgery for guidance.
A receptionist advised Mr Ryan to return later that afternoon, but as the symptoms worsened, Mrs Ryan spoke again with Dr Biggs, who advised the family to call an ambulance immediately.
Paramedics arrived in 12 minutes, and treated Mr Ryan for anaphylaxis – a severe allergic reaction – and injected him with adrenaline.
At this point, Mrs Ryan said: “I thought he was going to be okay.”
But on route to the hospital Mr Ryan went into respiratory arrest, and despite being transferred to the hospital’s critical care team, medics were unable to restart his heart.
Giving evidence, a tearful Dr Biggs said: “It’s made me doubt everything.
“I think I did everything correctly.
“I don’t think I would have done anything different.”
Dr Edward Hartley, the lead consultant who treated Mr Ryan in hospital, noted how uncommon it was for one person to be allergic to both penicillin and macrolide type antibiotics, and when asked by the family if Mr Ryan’s death was pure misfortune, he said: “Yes, I think Paul was just desperately unlucky.”
Having been married for 30 years, Paul is survived by wife Julie and three daughters.
Assistant coroner Emma Whitting said no-one was to blame for Mr Ryan’s death, adding: “It is clear he was a very well-liked and respected man who lived life to the full.”
Mr Ryan also previously taught at St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School in Wyken, Coventry, and at Princethorpe College between Leamington and Rugby.