Plastic surgeon Dr. Carlos Chacon, 36, charged with murder for refusing to call 9/11 after patient Megan Espinoza, 36, had cardiac arrest - 4/12/23

[Bishop Black]

Plastic Surgeon Charged with Murder for Allegedly Refusing to Call 911 After Patient Suffered Cardiac Arrest

Megan Espinoza, 36, went into cardiac arrest during a procedure at Divino Surgery Center in Bonita, Calif., reports say

people.com

Authorities have charged a California plastic surgeon with murder for allegedly refusing to call 911 after a patient on whom he was performing a breast augmentation went into cardiac arrest, reports say.

Megan Espinoza, 36, went into cardiac arrest during the cosmetic operation at Divino Surgery Center in Bonita, Calif., in December 2018.

Citing San Diego County Deputy District Attorney Gina Darvas, the outlets report Espinoza's surgeon, Dr. Carlos Chacon, allegedly waited more than three hours to call 911 and forbade his employees from doing so as well as Espinoza died.

Prosecutors also accused Chacon of using an improperly trained nurse to administer anesthesia to the victim and of allegedly lying to her husband, who called the surgery center to check on her during the procedure.

 

[Eloise]

The probable cause warrant is interesting (harrowing) reading

While Espinoza remained unconscious and on breathing support, Chacon stepped out of the operating room for several extended periods of time to communicate with anesthesiologists, Dr. Michael Dinh and Dr. Jesus Lozano, leaving Vass* and several untrained, or poorly trained, medical assistants to monitor Espinoza’s condition.
Chacon did not contact 911 to request emergency assistance until 1724 hours, approximately 3 hours after Espinoza’s cardiac arrest. During the 911 call, Chacon told 911 operators that Espinoza was conscious. Chacon further stated, “She's not following commands. She's being bagged. She's, you know, waking up from anesthesia. Her eyes are open. She's making movements and moaning. That's what we have.”

...
Doctors discovered she had a pressure induced pneumothorax as a result of prolonged and aggressive bagging. Espinoza had also sustained undue stress to her heart as a result of the prolonged bagging.

*an RN uncertified in anesthesia

 

[KooshBall]

I felt so angry reading the probable cause warrant! That doctor is just an awful human being imo, but I also think the others involved should face some charges as well. I'm sure that nurse knew she wasn't legally allowed to administer anesthesia, but did it anyway. All of the people who didn't call 911, despite knowing it was needed, because they cared more about themselves, and keeping their jobs, is so disturbing to me.

 

[annemc2]

I felt so angry reading the probable cause warrant! That doctor is just an awful human being imo, but I also think the others involved should face some charges as well. I'm sure that nurse knew she wasn't legally allowed to administer anesthesia, but did it anyway. All of the people who didn't call 911, despite knowing it was needed, because they cared more about themselves, and keeping their jobs, is so disturbing to me.

It was so very disturbing to read that. Of course the nurse knew that administering anesthesia is outside the scope of RN practice. The other people in the room "assisting" hadn't even completed a CNA/CMA class! There were anesthesiologists on staff - was the surgeon trying to save a fee or something? Lord.

This woman was failed horribly due to Chacon's ineptitude and arrogance. It's sickening to read how Megan just lay there dying while this ridiculous man fumbled around and did all kinds of weird and evasive stuff instead of simply calling 911. I feel so bad for her family. Megan didn't deserve to die like that.

 

[Ksprincess2]

Omg as an OR nurse this is horrifying to read! Everyone present should face charges IMO.

 

[alexwood]

After reading the entire probable cause warrant, the impression I got was that Chacon did not want to call for an ambulance until the office closed and any patients (post-op check up patients and/or prospective new patients) had left the premises. In other words, he didn't want any bad publicity at his facility.

This guy truly doesn't have a prayer. He's going away for a long, long time (IMO).

 

[TeaTime]

Let's say I am a nurse or a secretary at this guy's office and a patient goes into cardiac arrest and this guy says I am forbidden to call 911. My response: "F you, I already called and I quit."

 

[ChatteringBirds]

Let's say I am a nurse or a secretary at this guy's office and a patient goes into cardiac arrest and this guy says I am forbidden to call 911. My response: "F you, I already called and I quit."

Agree, but you clearly have a strong character.

The surgeon was in the position of highest power and had the most medical knowledge. So there could have been various reasons why others weren't compelled enough to secretly call 911. Maybe they will eventually testify against him and explain.

ETA: I am now reading the probable cause warrant. Charges are also being filed against the nurse. One of the "medical assistants" never attended any medical-related schooling. They all discussed whether to call 911 but Chacon had told them not to. IMO it wasn't lack of realizing the need but rather fear of retaliation.
What a sad and awful situation.

All IMO.

 

[Gardenista]

His IG account for his practice is still active

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[LoveyG]

His IG account for his practice is still active

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Disturbing. Do his patients understand that he's going to post their bodies on the internet? And they do it? I think I'd look for a doctor that's a little more discreet, and, less murdering.

 

[pukasonqo2]

Disturbing. Do his patients understand that he's going to post their bodies on the internet? And they do it? I think I'd look for a doctor that's a little more discreet, and, less murdering.

Huge ego his tag is drdivino which can be translated as divine doctor or doctor divine and due to his arrogance a family is now in mourning