Arizona toddler Vincent Fiordilino declared dead then found alive in morgue five hours later
In February, an American couple’s world was shattered when they were told their young child, Vincent, had accidentally drowned.
A phone call five hours later turned the couple’s sadness into distrust. In fact, their son was alive the entire time.
This incredible incident is now the center of a major investigation by a team at the Maricopa County District Attorney’s Office hoping to determine how such a colossal mistake was made.
Arizona toddler Vincent Lorenzo Fiordilino was found face down and unresponsive in a backyard pool during a Superbowl party in the East Valley earlier this year.
At 5:30 p.m. on February 8, emergency services were called to the home after a family member began CPR on the eighteen-month-old before officers and his family took the boy to nearby Mercy Gilbert Medical Center.
Nurses and doctors, including the emergency room doctor, continued life-saving efforts until the child was pronounced dead at 6:20 p.m.
In the body camera footage seized by the police, the doctor was heard saying, “If there is no objection, I would like to tell you the time of death.” local output KPNX.
The decision to report the time of death was met with concerns from Vincent’s family and officers at the scene.
When a police officer approached the doctor to question the toddler about breathing sounds and a weak pulse, the doctor allegedly withdrew his rank.
It was alleged that the doctor said to the officer, “Please do your job, and I will do mine.”
“I went to medical school for a reason.”
In the hours after his death was announced, the child was taken alone to a cold room where the temperature was set between 2 and 4 degrees, and the coroner was contacted.
When morgue workers arrived at the medical center hours later at 11:30 p.m., they were stunned to find Vincent still breathing.
The little boy’s parents were immediately notified and he was taken to nearby Phoenix Children’s Hospital for emergency treatment.
Vincent fought for his life for 72 hours in the second hospital before he was eventually discharged to his family.
The Fiordilino family has since stated that Vincent did not suffer any brain damage from the incident.
While the Attorney General’s Inquiry aims to determine how Vincent was wrongfully declared dead, authorities say charges will be leveled at more than just the medical centre.
When contacted by US media, the doctor’s lawyer said there was “more to this case”.
“Due to police advice and patient confidentiality, we cannot make a full statement at this time other than to reassure you that there is more to this case,” the lawyer said.
No charges are being brought against the doctor by the police.
A spokesperson for Mercy Gilbert Medical Center described the incident as “heartbreaking” in a statement to local media.
“This is a heartbreaking situation,” the spokesman said.
“We immediately conducted a comprehensive review of all aspects of the care provided to find out what was happening and make meaningful changes to strengthen our care.
“Out of respect for the patient’s privacy, we cannot discuss details. We continue to work with the family and their representative.”
The hospital declined to say whether the doctor remains on staff.
In the days after his discharge, Vincent’s family GoFundMe to support the toddler through the remainder of his recovery.
“Despite this miracle, Vincent still faces a long and difficult recovery,” a family member wrote on the page.
“He will need extensive treatment, constant medical monitoring and support for his healing organs… The Fiordilino family is filled with gratitude – but they are also faced with medical expenses far beyond what they can manage on their own.”
GoFundMe has already raised $25,060.
The Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office’s investigation into the matter continues.
