The mother of a 14-year-old boy who died from an allergic reaction to his school dinner has accused staff of failing in their duty of care by not administering a potentially life-saving adrenaline shot.
Nasar Ahmed went into anaphylactic shock while in detention at Bow School in east London last November after consuming milk in his tandoori chicken lunch. Despite having a history of severe asthma and food allergies, staff did not use his EpiPen, which was kept at school. Instead, they called an ambulance, and he died four days later at the Royal London Hospital.
At the conclusion of the inquest, coroner Mary Hassell returned a narrative conclusion, stating that staff saw the EpiPen but did not use it. She noted that prompt administration of adrenaline might have changed the outcome, though it was not a certainty. The coroner will issue prevention of future death reports to the school, Nasar's GP, Barts Health NHS Trust, and the London Ambulance Service, as a paramedic advised against giving adrenaline.
The inquest revealed that Nasar's asthma was inaccurately recorded as 'mild to moderate' instead of 'severe', and his care plan did not mention an EpiPen. Staff were unfamiliar with his allergy action plan, causing delays. The school's executive headteacher expressed condolences and said safety procedures have been reviewed.
Nasar's family, through their solicitor, said they believe missed opportunities, including a correct care plan and prompt EpiPen use, could have saved his life. They hope lessons will be learned to protect other children with asthma.
