Firefighter’s demise: Death linked to complex trauma-related complications – GPHC’s probe finds

An independent investigative panel has determined that firefighter Voshaun Manbodh passed away at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) due to multiple bleeding ulcers, a known secondary complication of traumatic injuries.
According to GPHC, while Manbodh sustained an acute injury in the line of duty, the panel found that his death resulted from a complex interplay of trauma-related complications and underlying chronic conditions.
The report, which included insights from external medical experts, underscored the challenges of managing multifactorial medical cases. It further clarified that Mr Manbodh’s passing was not solely due to his initial injury but rather a combination of factors that led to his fatal condition.

Additionally, the panel confirmed that there is no evidence supporting claims that Mr Manbodh fell from his hospital bed. This conclusion was corroborated by statements from nurses on duty and fellow patients in the ward at the time.
The investigation, GPHC said, identified systemic gaps in trauma management, interdisciplinary communication, documentation, and discharge procedures. While no intentional negligence or wrongdoing was found, the findings emphasised the need for structural and procedural improvements in patient care.
In response, GPHC has since announced several measures aimed at enhancing patient safety and preventing similar occurrences enhanced multidisciplinary communication: mandatory interdisciplinary case discussions for complex trauma cases to ensure continuous collaboration between medical teams; reinforced escalation protocols: improved monitoring and response mechanisms to ensure timely intervention in cases of deteriorating patient conditions; clinical governance strengthening: review and update of documentation policies, including better referral feedback systems and clearer communication of critical lab values; training and capacity building: continuous medical education sessions focused on best practices in trauma care, interdisciplinary coordination, and early complication detection; policy updates: refinement of discharge protocols to ensure that all relevant medical teams remain engaged in a patient’s care until stability is confirmed.
Manbodh died days after sustaining severe injuries while battling the now fatal fire that destroyed Mae’s School in Subryanville on March 5.
Manbodh was among four firefighters injured when portions of the building collapsed as they worked to contain the inferno. He was rushed to GPHC with two fractured vertebrae in his neck, impaired motor function, and an ear impediment.
Initially, he showed signs of recovery, speaking coherently and taking phone calls. However, his condition deteriorated rapidly in the following days, and he succumbed to his injuries just before midnight on Saturday.