Severely disabled teenager choked to death on glove, inquest hears
A severely disabled teenage girl who choked on a latex glove while in respite care had a fixation with putting things in her mouth, particularly gloves, an inquest has heard.
Sophia Alessia Nisco, 16, who had cerebral palsy and a number of other health issues, was found unconscious on the bathroom floor of a care home in Adelaide in 2017 and could not be revived.
When paramedics arrived they removed a latex glove from her throat, though care workers who initially came to her aid could not see it when they began CPR, counsel assisting Kathryn Waite said in opening the inquiry on Monday.
Ms Waite said witnesses would tell the coroner that Ms Nisco would explore her environment by mouthing and putting objects in her mouth.
She said the teenager had a particular fascination for putting gloves in her mouth because she liked the texture.
Ms Waite said issues to be considered at the inquest would include whether the respite home had sufficient staff rostered on to provide the girl with the necessary one-to-one care, and if the care provided by the staff was adequate in itself.
It would also address why she was left unsupervised during a period when she was out of her secure wheelchair.
The inquiry is continuing.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, download the Yahoo News app from iTunes or Google Play and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoo’s daily newsletter. Sign up here.
