Doctor charged with manslaughter in Brazil asthma death case

The Public Prosecutor's Office of Goiás (MPGO) has charged a doctor with involuntary manslaughter following the death of 24-year-old Francisco Guilherme da Costa Silva. The incident occurred in February 2025 at a Pronto Atendimento Unit (UPA) in Caldas Novas.

According to the prosecution, the patient, who had a history of asthma, was initially classified as a “minor urgency” case and waited approximately one hour and 40 minutes for medical attention. During this delay, his condition worsened. The doctor, who was on his first shift at the unit, performed an orotracheal intubation.

Forensic evidence indicated that the intubation tube was improperly positioned, bending near the epiglottis rather than entering the trachea. Consequently, air from the mechanical ventilator was directed toward the abdomen instead of the lungs. This malfunction contributed to a cardiorespiratory arrest that led to the patient's death. The judiciary has accepted the charges, initiating criminal proceedings.