An elderly man who had been declared deceased was hurriedly taken back to the hospital when workers at a funeral home discovered he was still alive.
Juraci Rosa Alves was brought to the hospital on May 16 after a doctor determined he had passed away from respiratory failure. Following the pronouncement, the 88-year-old was transferred to a funeral home for standard post-mortem procedures.
During preparations at the funeral home for his viewing, staff noticed signs of life. Jacqueline Brogiato, the technical nursing supervisor, stated that while transferring Alves, they observed unusual movements in his abdomen, prompting them to suspect he might still be breathing.
Upon realizing he had vital signs, immediate efforts were made to save him. Emergency services were summoned, and medical procedures were swiftly initiated to stabilize him for transport to a healthcare facility.
Alves was subsequently taken to a hospital in Presidente Prudente, Brazil, where he remains under care. Family members were surprised by the turn of events, with one relative recounting the shock of discovering Alves was alive at the funeral home.
Authorities were alerted to the incident and labeled it as a “failure to provide assistance.” The identity of the doctor who initially declared Alves deceased has not been disclosed.
Alves, a resident of Emilianópolis, is currently in intensive care, intubated, and in a serious but stable condition. A family representative mentioned concerns about his deteriorating health due to delays in receiving proper care.
The original hospital in Presidente Bernardes has announced plans to conduct an internal inquiry into the situation and is ready to offer any required explanations.
