At USM, a man spent five (5) days alone after suffering a stroke the day before Columbus Day weekend, but died at a hospital. Wednesday, the parents of David Norton are questioning whether campus security at the Portland campus could have done more during their routine building checks.
The Daily Mail reported Wednesday that Norton (pictured here) passed away on October 15, five days after campus police officers found him stricken from an apparent stroke. Investigators into the man's death believe he fell on the floor and lay there until the following Wednesday.
David's mom, Linda Norton told WCSH6 "I know this was a medical problem, and I know it was sudden. But the first few hours after a stroke are the golden hours and he had to wait five days."
The worker spent five days alone after the stroke, but it was too late when he was finally discovered by campus security.
"It's so important that things change, so he doesn't die in vain," Mrs. Norton added, holding back tears.
As she said earlier in the interview, a parent is not supposed to bury their child. The death of David Norton underscores the importance of reviewing polices and making changes where necessary.
However, there is no precedent for something like a sudden life-threatening event taking place and the stricken person not being found for days on end.
Nonetheless, Dr. Robert Ecker at Maine Medical Center suggested that if the man had not spent five days alone after the stroke occurred, there is a chance he could have survived if medical treatment had started sooner.
Executive Director of Public Affairs Bob Caswell said that the university feels obligated to review its policies.
The man spent five days alone after suffering a stroke, but could he have been saved had he been discovered sooner?
NCBI notes that after a stroke, if the brain loses blood flow for more than a few seconds, cells can die and leave a person with permanent damage. Sadly, some people like Mr. Norton are not around others when an emergency takes place.
What could USM have done differently, if anything, to save the man?
Share this on Facebook and remember to "Like" this above.
