A MAN died after paramedics mistook his vomiting for a hangover.
Joshua Kerfoot, a regular cannabis user, became unwell and started throwing up after a Friday night out in October last year.
MEN MediaJoshua Kerfoot (picture) died of heart attack following chronic cannabis use[/caption]
Paramedics attended the 27-year-old’s home in Bury, Greater Manchester, as his sickness continued throughout the weekend and insisted Joshua was suffering from a hangover.
The young man’s mum, Angela, “couldn’t understand” why paramedics did not take his vomiting more seriously.
She had spoken with the medics about Joshua’s history with excessive nausea and vomiting, known as hyperemesis, but they continued to dismiss his symptoms as simply a the after effects of smoking.
The condition, medically know as hyperemesis gravidarum, or severe morning sickness, is common in pregnant women.
However, other medical conditions such as high or low blood sugar, acid reflux, and mental health conditions can bring on the sickness.
“In the past he was admitted [to hospital] with the same thing, I tried to tell them that, but the paramedics didn’t check his history,” she told the Manchester Evening News.
The following day, after returning from a short trip to the shops, Angela found Joshua “cold” and he was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead later that day.
He had suffered a heart attack, known as an acute myocardial infarction.
Previous studies have suggesting that smoking marijuana can raise the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiac events, especially in younger people.
Coroner Joanne Kearsley recorded Joshua’s death as “drug-related” at an inquest on April 13, noting that he had a “long history of daily cannabis use from a young age”.
“He collapsed and died at his home address on the October 18 2022. He had been unwell for several days with vomiting due to his cannabis use,” the record of the inquest states.
Coroner Joanne said: “I am satisfied following all investigations that there is no other reason to explain why such a young person has had an acute myocardial infarction. I find it was due to chronic cannabis use.”
“The correction conclusion is that this was a drug-related death. Cannabis use is not safe.”
She added: “I understand the (family’s) concern relating to the ambulance service. Given the medical history I heard evidence on I have no concerns with the ambulance the previous day.”
What are symptoms of a heart attack?
A heart attack is also known as a myocardial infarction and symptoms can be difficult to spot for sure, because they can vary from person to person.
The most common signs include:
chest pain, tightness, heaviness, pain or a burning feeling in your chest
pain in the arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach
for some people the pain and tightness will be severe, while for others it will just feel uncomfortable
sweating
feeling light-headed
becoming short of breath
feeling nauseous or vomiting