Frédéric Péchier, a former anaesthetist in Besançon, France, is currently on trial facing allegations of intentionally poisoning 30 individuals, including 12 patients who died. Considered a highly skilled practitioner by his peers, Péchier has been under investigation since 2015, with concerns raised about possible poisoning incidents occurring at two hospitals from 2008 to 2017. Despite the severity of the charges, he remains free under judicial supervision and has claimed there is “no proof of any poisoning.”
The trial is expected to last over three months and involves more than 150 civil parties representing those allegedly harmed. Investigations into the claims began in January 2017 when a healthy 36-year-old patient, Sandra Simard, suffered a cardiac arrest during spine surgery. Although revived after an injection from Péchier, tests later revealed abnormally high potassium levels in her treatment. Shortly thereafter, another incident involving a 70-year-old man led to inquiries about possible medication tampering that aligned with Péchier’s administration of anaesthesia.
In the years prior to his formal investigation, several cases of adverse patient reactions were reported at the healthcare facilities where Péchier worked. Students of incident reviews noted that in 2009, three patients requiring resuscitation during minor procedures had no prior heart issues, indicating serious concerns. Investigators have identified 12 cases of patients whose deaths remain unexplained, with one notable fatality occurring in 2008, when a 53-year-old man died post-operation due to what was later identified as a lethal dose of lidocaine.
According to prosecutors, Péchier may have tampered with medical supplies out of perceived vengeance against colleagues, positioning himself as the central figure in these alleged poisoning events. The trial proceedings will continue until December, and should he be convicted, he faces a potential life sentence.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crl5ngj9zwgo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss