Multiple patients went into cardiac arrest after a ‘pharmacy error’ led to a dangerous drug mix-up.
Two patients are paralyzed, and one is on a ventilator at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital after they were given the wrong medication prior to surgery.
The four patients were reportedly given potassium instead of an anesthetic. The dangerous mix-up happened at the hospital’s in-house pharmacy.
Too much potassium administered too quickly can stop a person’s heart, CBS reported.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigations is now involved in the case.
The hospital said they were “sorry” for injecting the patients with too much potassium.
“Our hearts remain entirely with the four patients and families impacted by the recent event at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown,” the hospital said. “On behalf of our leadership and care teams, we extend our deepest apologies for the harm caused.”
Hellbound and Down 