The B.C. Coroners Service confirmed that 16-year old Comox Valley girl died. The cause is toxic shock syndrome during an overnight stay at Hornby Island last year.
Sara Marie Manitoski went on a student trip to the Outdoor Education Centre in Tribune Bay Provincial Park. The grade 11 student complained to friends of experiencing menstrual cramps and not feeling okay but joined the day’s activities. She did not eat much at dinner and joined a bonfire before bed. At around 9:50, she went to her cabin for the night.
On the next morning around 7 AM, the other girls had breakfast. Sara was still in bed and seems to be sleeping. At 7:30 AM, some of the girls returned to the cabin and found Sara’s alarm going off. A student checked on her and discovered that she was not breathing. The students alerted the teachers who performed CPR. The paramedics took over to save Sara’s life, but she could not be resuscitated.
During the investigation, it was reported that Sara was heard breathing rapidly and in a shallow manner in the middle of the night for a brief period.
A close look on toxic shock syndrome
Based on the autopsy, there is increased redness on Sara’s neck, upper chest, upper arms, lower thighs, and abdomen. The microbiology cultures using a tampon confirms the existence of Staphylococcus aureus. Both results likely pinpoint a diagnosis of toxic shock syndrome.
Toxic shock syndrome is an acutely dangerous condition. The risk for the condition is higher with a preference for tampon use, however, it is not the only cause. The condition is also due to infections in skin wounds.
Be ready to save a life by enrolling in a first aid course
Prompt delivery of CPR and using an AED can save a life. If you want to be prepared during emergencies, it is recommended to enroll in a first aid course today.
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