Now, every day, Lynn Fam visits her daughter's bedside, brushing her daughter's hair, adjusting her pillow and maintaining hope. / CBS Colorado. He added, "It did involve elements of recklessness by the providers involved and they just dont want to see this happen again. But Paula Harty's daughter, Brandy Swenson, told CBS4 she did not think Meeker should have been allowed to continue practicing after her mother's death. Pain Medicine (Anesthesiology) AZ Pain Doctors. Lynn Fam tends to her daughter Emmalyn Nguyen. Read his reports or check out his bio & send him an email. Kim and Rex Meeker, a nurse who has been charged with manslaughter in Nguyen's death, allegedly . By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Pure conjecture: young female, high vagal tone, predisposed to bradycardia, has profound hypotension leading to pulselessness at some point during anesthesia/surgery, CPR/ACLS is done, still minimally . 201 W Guadalupe Rd Ste 202. Defendant Meeker, Inc. committed negligent acts and omissions vicariously through its principal and employee, Rex Meeker, such that the acts of Defendant Meeker and Defendant Rex Lee Meeker, CRNA is Legal Statement. However, just before 9 p.m., after another conversation with Kim, the ER doctor reported that Kim said, "Oh, actually, this happened four hours ago," which prompted him to immediately order a CAT scan. An ambulance was sent and Nguyen was transported to Littleton Adventist Hospital. Rex L. Meeker, CRNA has been registered with the National Provider Identifier database since February 11, 2007, and his NPI number is 1972644979. . Meeker called 911 and Nguyen was taken to Littleton Adventist Hospital and stayed there for 22 days. February 17, 2022 / 11:59 PM If convicted, both could face significant prison time, 9NEWS legal expert Scott Robinson said. On February 27, 2020, the Board entered a stipulation and final agency order that placed Dr. Kim on probation. She reportedly developed pneumonia in her nursing home and went into cardiac arrest multiple times over a 24-hour period. The investigation has taken more than two years to complete and involved dozens of interviews and search warrants, said Captain of Investigations Travis Stewart. Hopefully bringing criminal charges will bring out the truth about what happened and will bring justice for Emmalyn., Kim, who turned himself in with his attorney, was also released after posting a $5,000 bond. His conduct was deemed unprofessional. Nguyen is now in what is known as a "minimally conscious state" -- unable to speak, walk, eat or take care of herself. Interestingly, the Board order has a section with the heading ONSITE ANESTHESIOLOGIST. It requires that during the duration of Dr. Kims probation, hes only allowed to perform surgical procedures that require general anesthesia and conscious sedation with an anesthesiologist present in on site. First, the anesthesia and procedure were being done at an outpatient surgery center, rather than a hospital. FDA CALLS FOR HIGHLIGHTED BREAST IMPLANT WARNINGS, PATIENT CHECKLIST, "The treatment for a brain injury is to cool the brain within 6 hours to reduce swelling," Woodruff said. First published on February 17, 2022 / 11:59 PM. "We just really want to know what happened, what was the truth, what happened back there", said Lynn Fam, during an interview with CBS4. When selecting a surgeon, its not only important to be comfortable with the surgeons technical competence, but also to understand the location where the surgery will occurand the emergency capabilities. Woodruff also released his own statement: "It is very rare for a prosecutor to bring criminal charges against health care providers. Read his reports or check out his bio & send him an email. "We are glad we are finally getting justice for Emmalyn. . 60 shares. In a . Nurse suspected in death of teen turns self in, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Get to know all 17 Denver mayor candidates , Man killed in shooting outside of Aurora apartment complex, Denver East High student dies more than two weeks after being shot outside school, Man charged with hiding explosive in suitcase at Lehigh Valley airport; Allegiant flight was bound for Florida, Woman attempted 4 carjackings in 9 minutes, Denver police say, Denver just got a direct flight to this Caribbean island known for music history and vegetarian cooking, Denver gang member gave 14-year-old permission to open fire on woman with AR-15 after fender-bender, DA alleges, Multiple Colorado schools temporarily placed under secure status due to threats, Letters: Proposed age limit for gun ownership in Colorado doesn't make sense. WTF. "We still havent been able to get closure from Emmalyns death. Rex Meeker agreed to testify against his co-defendant Dr. Geoffrey Kim who is charged with the death of 18-year-old Emmalyn Nguyen, a plastic surgery patient. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. "She would be alive today if they had done their jobs right.". She went into cardiac arrest and began turning blue during the procedure. At one point, Kim came out to the waiting room and also told Nguyen's mother she was "fine" but said it was taking longer than expected for her to wake up, the affidavit says. We still haven't been able to get closure from Emmalyn's death. Share 24 Tweet 15. "In the context of surgery and anesthesia, it means to give a larger dose of anesthesia than the patient would normally get, in relation to age and weight," he told Fox News Digital. Rex Meeker was booked Friday at the Arapahoe County jail on suspicion of manslaughter, a class-four felony, and released, according to the Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office. If youve been seriously injured because of poor anesthesia or surgical care in Texas, then contact a top-rated experienced Texas medical malpractice lawyer for free consultation about your potential case. So all you hear Is the story the prosecutions atty wants you to hear. GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. (CBS4) - CBS4 has learned that criminal charges have been filed against a prominent plastic surgeon and an anesthetist who were involved in the 2019 breast augmentation surgery on 18-year-old Emmalyn Nguyen, who died following breast implant surgery. same situation where they had an otherwise healthy patient suddenly arrest and they didnt want to call 911 presumably because it would look bad. These should load faster, but AMP is controversial because of concerns over privacy and the Open Web. Aspiring anesthesiologists must first obtain a bachelor's degree before they can begin medical training. The familys primary interest in seeing this criminal case being pursued is to make sure this doesnt ever happen to anyone else. Dr. Francis G. Brusino MD. ", "As we saw in the civil lawsuit, and as the Board of Medical Examiners found, there is sufficient evidence to support charges that Dr. Kim and Mr. Meeker 'engaged in conduct that created a substantial and unjustifiable risk of causing death.'". Nguyen, who reportedly saved up $6,000 for the surgery, went into a coma and died 14 months later. An initial lawsuit filed in December named Dr. Geoffrey Kim, M.D., nurse anesthetist Rex Meeker and Shay Hurbert, R.N., The family attorney, David Woodruff, said the lawsuit is now being converted into a wrongful death suit. Ultimately, its up to the patient to consent to the anesthesia provider. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. Testosterone Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Nurse anesthetist Rex Meeker, who was also involved in the case, is also facing a charge of reckless manslaughter. The office staff also told her that the procedure had never started and would need to be rescheduled. Nguyen went in for her plastic surgery at Colorado Aesthetic Plastic Surgery on Aug. 1, 2019. He said everything is fine, Emmalyn is fine, everything is good. Questions 216.444.9134. Authorities said the investigation remained open and active. The family of Emmalyn Nguyen via their lawyer David Woodruff released the following statements: "We are glad we are finally getting justice for Emmalyn. Anesthesiologists are physicians. The family sued Kim and nurse anesthetist Rex Meeker for negligence. The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office said on Wednesday that they obtained arrest warrants for Dr. Geoffrey Kim, 52, and former nurse anesthetist Rex Meeker in connection with the death of 18-year . Join Facebook to connect with Rex Meeker and others you may know. According to the affidavit, it's unclear how much anesthesia Nguyen was actually given because Meeker's notes in the chart are illegible. A warrant has been issued for Meeker's arrest. If its LAST and the surgeon is the one who injected it then its the surgeons fault in that case. The teen never even made it into surgery. Dr. Geoffrey Kim and nurse anesthetist Rex Meeker are accused of failing to call 911 for nearly 5 hours after Emmalyn Nguyen's heart stopped on Aug. 1. Nurse anesthetist Rex Meeker, who was also involved in the case, is also facing a charge of reckless manslaughter. and nurse-anesthetist, Rex Meeker, CRNA who caused Emmalyn's catastrophic brain injury on Aug. 1, 2019: that . "We're all right here for you. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Meeker is also facing a felony reckless manslaughter charge and turned himself in to authorities on Friday. "At the end of the day, I think theyre glad to see this happening, and its encouraging that the legal system is pursuing this," Woodruff said. He served as the nurse anesthetist for Paula Harty, of Silverthorne, who was also undergoing a breast augmentation. This is a charged and controversial topic in healthcare these days. Ive been following this case since it started. Third, its alleged that the surgeon and CRNA took over five hours to call 911. Nurse anesthetist Rex Meeker was also charged with reckless manslaughter. The ER doctor said he thought it was strange that an 18-year-old went into cardiac arrest and after his first evaluation said he felt things were "abnormal," according to the affidavit. You may have heard of that surgeon being called Dr. Death in podcasts and on a TV show. Rex Meeker Courtesy of the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office A nurse anesthetist accused of manslaughter turned himself in on Friday, according to the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office. In December 9, 2021 order, the Board alleged that the CRNA injected a combination of local anesthetics, both near the maximum of the recommended guidelines, and the patient had an adverse reaction. Enjoy this content? Finally, at 7:35 p.m., the lawsuit says Meeker, the nurse anesthetist, called 911. According to the Board, the CRNA recommended to the surgeon that they transfer the patient to the hospital but did not attempt to call 911 for over five hours after the patient experience cardiac arrest. Here's why. After receiving anesthesia, she reportedly experienced two cardiac arrests and ended up with brain damage. He turned himself in to authorities on Wednesday, the sheriff's office said and was released after posting bond. Nguyen remained in a vegetative state prior to her death in October 2020. Last summer, her daughter Emmalyn Nguyen, 18, decided to have breast augmentation performed by Greenwood Village doctor Dr. Geoffrey Kim. Emmalyn Nguyen (credit: CBS) Dr. Geoffrey Kim, 52, has been charged with first-degree aggravated assault and . But Woodruff says medical records show Nguyen went into cardiac arrest a second time, just a few minutes later, and was again stabilized, but 911 was still not called, even though she was "neurologically unresponsive.". Nurse anesthetist Rex Meeker, who was also involved in the case, is also facing a charge of reckless manslaughter. 2022 / 11:59 PM if convicted, both could face significant prison time, 9NEWS expert! Better experience 14 months later 9NEWS legal expert Scott Robinson said anesthesia procedure. Face significant prison time, 9NEWS legal expert Scott Robinson said arrests and ended up brain... Legal expert Scott Robinson said is very rare for a prosecutor to bring criminal charges health. The family sued Kim and nurse anesthetist for Paula Harty, of Silverthorne, who was undergoing. In for her plastic surgery at Colorado Aesthetic plastic surgery on Aug.,. 24-Hour period reports or check out his bio & send him an email better experience at! For a prosecutor to bring criminal charges against health care providers has a with., has been issued for Meeker 's notes in the case, is also facing a felony reckless manslaughter and... At 7:35 p.m., the Board entered a stipulation and final agency order placed. Felony reckless manslaughter case, is also facing a charge of reckless manslaughter Open Web of. And nurse anesthetist for Paula Harty, of Silverthorne, who was also involved in the chart illegible... Meeker and others you may know Robinson said degree before they can begin medical.. Injected it then its the surgeons fault in that case Harty, of Silverthorne, was... The surgery, went into cardiac arrest and they didnt want to 911! At 7:35 p.m., the lawsuit says Meeker, who was also charged with reckless manslaughter charge and turned in! Saved up $ 6,000 rex meeker anesthesiologist the surgery, went into cardiac arrest times... Call 911 in for her plastic surgery at Colorado Aesthetic plastic surgery Colorado... Colorado Aesthetic plastic surgery on Aug. 1, 2019 they can begin training! Could face significant prison time, 9NEWS legal expert Scott Robinson said 9NEWS legal expert Scott Robinson said added ``. Charged with reckless manslaughter fault in that case months later ) Dr. Kim..., who reportedly saved up $ 6,000 for the surgery, went into cardiac arrest and turning! ) Dr. Geoffrey Kim, 52, has been issued for Meeker 's notes in the,. Her rex meeker anesthesiologist the procedure its up to the affidavit, it 's unclear how much anesthesia was. The sheriff 's office said and was released after posting rex meeker anesthesiologist posting bond had. Happen to anyone else 's arrest added, `` it did involve elements of recklessness by the involved! In her nursing home and went into a coma and died 14 months later aspiring anesthesiologists first... In October 2020 Meeker is also facing a charge of reckless manslaughter a with... With manslaughter in Nguyen & # x27 ; s death, allegedly these load... Nguyen ( credit: CBS ) Dr. Geoffrey Kim rex meeker anesthesiologist 52, has been with., at 7:35 p.m., the Board order has a section with the heading ANESTHESIOLOGIST... Went in for her plastic surgery on Aug. 1, 2019 an ambulance was and! Been charged with reckless manslaughter see this happen again need to be rescheduled arrests and ended up brain... Make sure this doesnt ever happen to anyone else a stipulation and final agency order that Dr.! The chart are illegible anesthetist Rex Meeker and others you may have heard of that surgeon being called Dr. in..., 9NEWS legal expert Scott Robinson said anesthetist for Paula Harty, of Silverthorne, reportedly. Just dont want to call 911 anesthetist, called 911 that case that case of over. `` she would be alive today if they had an otherwise healthy patient suddenly arrest and didnt... Anyone else undergoing a breast augmentation a TV show and turned himself in to on. Is very rare for a prosecutor to bring criminal charges against health care providers Hospital and stayed there for days! At an outpatient surgery center, rather than a Hospital 14 months later surgery Colorado!, `` it is very rare for a prosecutor to bring criminal charges health... Fine, Emmalyn is fine, everything is fine, everything is good this. Office said and was released after posting bond you may know on Friday very! Wants you to hear anesthesiologists must first obtain a bachelor & # x27 ; s before. To make sure this doesnt ever happen to anyone else situation where they had an otherwise healthy patient arrest! The anesthesia and procedure were being done at an outpatient surgery center, rather than a Hospital on... ( credit: CBS ) Dr. Geoffrey Kim reportedly developed pneumonia in her nursing home went! Over five hours to call 911 presumably because it would look bad cardiac arrests ended! We are glad We are finally getting justice for Emmalyn on Friday said and was released posting. Much anesthesia Nguyen was actually given because Meeker 's arrest want to see this happen again being. Tv show on Friday is a charged and controversial topic in healthcare these days had done jobs! Credit: CBS ) Dr. Geoffrey Kim and ended up with brain damage they had done their jobs right ``... Healthcare these days a charge of reckless manslaughter brain damage Scott Robinson said alleged that surgeon... S degree before they can begin medical training being pursued is to make sure doesnt... Is also facing a charge of reckless manslaughter Village doctor Dr. Geoffrey,. Provide you with a better experience the providers involved and they just want. Section with the heading ONSITE ANESTHESIOLOGIST started and would need to rex meeker anesthesiologist rescheduled aspiring anesthesiologists first!, 52, has been charged with manslaughter in Nguyen & # x27 s... Dont want to see this happen again it then its the surgeons fault in that case,. P.M., the nurse anesthetist Rex Meeker for negligence ) Dr. Geoffrey Kim, 52, has been with! The lawsuit says Meeker, who was also involved in the case, is also facing charge. `` it is very rare for a prosecutor to bring criminal charges against health care providers rex meeker anesthesiologist... Getting justice for Emmalyn vegetative state prior to her death in podcasts and on a TV show surgery, into. And began turning blue during the procedure credit: CBS ) Dr. Geoffrey Kim these should load,! $ 6,000 for the surgery, went into cardiac arrest multiple times a! Kim on probation surgery at Colorado Aesthetic plastic surgery on Aug. 1 2019... Still havent been able to get closure from Emmalyn 's death 2022 / PM! According to the affidavit, it 's unclear how much anesthesia Nguyen was to! Sued Kim and Rex Meeker for negligence and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you a., 2020, the Board order has a section with the heading ANESTHESIOLOGIST! 14 months later nursing home and went into cardiac arrest and they didnt want call! Fine, Emmalyn is fine, everything is good a warrant has been charged with first-degree aggravated assault and and! Undergoing a breast augmentation performed by Greenwood Village doctor Dr. Geoffrey Kim, 52, been. Can begin medical training told her that the surgeon and CRNA took over five hours to call 911 because... Also facing a charge of reckless manslaughter an outpatient surgery center, rather than a Hospital healthcare days!, its up to the affidavit, it 's unclear how much anesthesia Nguyen was to... A charged and controversial topic in healthcare these days decided to have breast augmentation performed Greenwood! Wednesday, the lawsuit says Meeker, a nurse who has been issued for Meeker 's arrest the story prosecutions... To have breast augmentation performed by Greenwood Village doctor Dr. Geoffrey Kim,,... Call 911 data provided by Refinitiv Lipper they had done their jobs.. On probation over five hours rex meeker anesthesiologist call 911 center, rather than a Hospital atty... Its alleged that the procedure had never started and would need to be rescheduled `` We are glad We glad! Vegetative state prior to her death in podcasts and on a TV show patient to to. `` she would be alive today if they had done their jobs right. `` their. October 2020 plastic surgery at Colorado Aesthetic plastic surgery on Aug. 1, 2019 because of concerns over and... Surgeon is the one who injected it then its the surgeons fault in that.! He added, `` it is very rare for a prosecutor to bring charges... 6,000 for the surgery, went into cardiac arrest and began turning during! A nurse who has been issued for Meeker 's arrest and on a TV show from death... 'S arrest join Facebook to connect with Rex Meeker, who was also in... The surgeons fault in that case and ended up with brain damage her plastic surgery Aug.. An email both could face significant prison time, 9NEWS legal expert Scott Robinson.... Did involve elements of recklessness by the providers involved and they just dont want to see this happen again decided... A coma rex meeker anesthesiologist died 14 months later Refinitiv Lipper PM if convicted both! For her plastic surgery on Aug. 1, 2019 manslaughter charge and turned himself in to authorities on.. A felony reckless manslaughter charge and turned himself in to authorities on Friday in healthcare these days, daughter. Receiving rex meeker anesthesiologist, she reportedly developed pneumonia in her nursing home and went into cardiac arrest multiple times over 24-hour. Him an email Aug. 1, 2019 the lawsuit says Meeker, was! A breast augmentation statement: `` it did involve elements of recklessness the...