Emergency Physician Faces Manslaughter Charges Over Patient's Death in Bornheim

A 41-year-old emergency physician has gone on trial at the District Court in Bonn, accused of manslaughter following the death of a 93-year-old patient during a rescue call in Bornheim. Prosecutors contend that the doctor deliberately administered improper medical treatment during the incident in February 2023, leading to the woman's death.

According to the indictment, the patient, who suffered from cancer, had collapsed on a bench in her garden when relatives called emergency services. First responders initiated resuscitation, after which the accused physician was brought in to assist. Prosecutors allege that the doctor terminated artificial respiration after some time, despite the measure remaining medically indicated and without adhering to the woman's written advance healthcare directive.

The prosecution further alleges that the physician subsequently administered two electric shocks and at least five milligrams of morphine to intentionally cause the patient's death. Investigators assert that despite her pre-existing illness and age-related ailments, the woman had been in a generally stable physical condition prior to feeling unwell in the days leading up to her collapse.

The defendant and his legal team pushed back against the charges at the start of the proceedings. Defense attorney Peter Syben questioned the validity of the medical expert report commissioned by prosecutors, arguing that critical circumstances were omitted. According to Syben, the expert failed to evaluate the patient's full medical history and did not interview witnesses regarding the timeline of the rescue operation.

Addressing the court, the physician explained that resuscitation efforts were stopped only after ten minutes without a pulse and after finding no pupillary response to light. He stated that the decision to end treatment was made jointly with the attending paramedics and the patient's son. The defendant testified that the son had referenced the advance directive and expressed that his mother should not endure prolonged suffering.

The Bonn District Court has scheduled four trial days for the case, with a ruling anticipated towards the end of November. A conviction on manslaughter charges carries a potential sentence of several years in prison.

Written by Christiane Hofreiter christiane.hofreiter@alpineweekly.com