RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Fatal Consequences: Obstructive Sleep Apnea in a Train Engineer
JF The Annals of Family Medicine
JO Ann Fam Med
FD American Academy of Family Physicians
SP 583
OP 586
DO 10.1370/afm.1868
VO 13
IS 6
A1 Mary Pat McKay
YR 2015
UL http://www.annfammed.org/content/13/6/583.abstract
AB This special report describes the findings of the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation into the probable cause of the derailment of a Metro-North passenger train in the Bronx, New York on December 1, 2013, that resulted in 4 deaths and injuries to 59 additional persons. A key finding in the medical investigation was the engineer’s post-accident diagnosis of severe, obstructive sleep apnea, and the probable cause of the accident was determined to be the result of the engineer having fallen asleep while operating the train. This accident highlights the importance of screening, evaluating, and ensuring adequate treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, particularly among patients working in positions where impairment of physical or cognitive function or sudden incapacitation may result in serious harm to the public.