Gloria Ramirez
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Gloria Ramirez (January 11, 1963–February 19, 1994) received national press attention in 1994 when a number of hospital emergency room workers passed out shortly after drawing her blood. Gloria was dubbed the "Toxic Lady."
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[edit] Events
On the evening of February 19, 1994, Ms. Ramirez was taken to the Riverside General Hospital in Riverside, California after complaining of chest and stomach pains.[1] She arrived in the emergency room semiconscious. Within about 15 minutes Ms. Ramirez was in cardiac arrest.[2]
Dr. Julie Gorchinsky and two nurses Sally Balderas and Susan Kane drew blood for testing. According to the nurses the blood had the smell of ammonia and contained small white crystals.[2] Almost immediately after smelling the fumes from either the freshly drawn blood or the woman's body, the three medical personal nearest passed out.[3] A total of 6 hospital workers were hospitalized. Gloria Ramirez died shortly after. According to the autopsy results kidney failure due to cervical cancer was to blame.[4]
The emergency room was evacuated and patients were moved to the parking lot around 8:30pm. Hazardous material crews entered the hospital and tested the air for contaminates and sealed Ms. Ramirez’s body in an air-tight coffin.[2]
[edit] The autopsy
[edit] Explanations
The cause of the initial fainting remains under question. Initially speculation suggested organophosphates.[2]
After reviewing the medical histories of 5 staff members and conducting 34 interviews the California Department of Health Services explained the outbreak as "mass sociogenic illness." The study did leave open the possibility that some of the workers were in-fact exposed to an undetermined toxin. Russell S. Kussman, a lawyer representing Dr. Gorchynski, pointed out that the study did not explain the chemicals found during the autopsy.[2]
[edit] Lawsuits
[edit] References
- ^ "Doctor Faults State Report On Faintings", New York Times, 1994-10-04. Retrieved on 2006-12-11.
- ^ a b c d e Kolata, Gina. "FUMES AT HOSPITAL BAFFLE OFFICIALS", New York Times, 1994-02-22. Retrieved on 2006-12-11.
- ^ Kolata, Gina. "Clues but No Real Answers In Fumes Case at Hospital", New York Times, 1994-02-23. Retrieved on 2006-12-11.
- ^ "Kidney Failure Killed Woman In Fumes Case", New York Times, 1994-05-01. Retrieved on 2006-12-11.
[edit] External Links
- Article from April 1995 Discover Magazine
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| Persondata | |
|---|---|
| NAME | Ramirez, Gloria |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Toxic Lady |
| SHORT DESCRIPTION | Strange gasses |
| DATE OF BIRTH | January 11, 1963 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | |
| DATE OF DEATH | February 19, 1994 |
| PLACE OF DEATH | Riverside, California |
