Case study 7 - Tragic fire fatality linked to emollient creams

Before reading on, please be aware that details of this tragedy are quite distressing, so please seek support should you need it.  

George, described by his daughter as “one in a million” was an elderly man who loved his children, grandchildren, and dog dearly. He enjoyed fishing and watching football and rugby. George’s wife had died 25 years prior to the time of the incident, so despite having regular contact with his wider family, George lived alone.  

As George’s health and mobility deteriorated, he was aware of his own abilities and limitations, however he didn’t want to go into a care home. George had reduced mobility and physical health conditions which significantly impacted his ability to move around his home independently. He had a private care package in place consisting of 4 care visits a day to support him with personal and continence care, medical administration and domestic tasks including meal preparation.  

Although George received regular visits from his daughter, she wasn’t formally recognised as his carer by professionals.  Primary care health agencies were involved with his care as well as the Local Authority Occupational Therapy team. George was a smoker and used a prescribed emollient cream. George was known to HIWFRS as he had received a Safe and Well visit from the Service following a request from a family member, although this was prior to him being prescribed the emollient cream.  

Emergency services were called to a fire at George’s home. Neighbours had raised the alarm and gained access to the property prior to emergency services arriving.   

George was alight, and he was pulled from the armchair by a neighbour who used a cushion to extinguish the fire. George was then taken to hospital and information received from agencies states that he later died of his injuries.  

Hampshire Safeguarding Adults Board (HSAB) published a Safeguarding Adults Review following this tragic case. A Safeguarding Adults Review (SAR) is a Statutory Requirement for a Safeguarding Adults Board under the Care Act 2014. You can access the full report here . 

As a Service, HIWFRS is fully committed to continuing to promote awareness of the fire risks associated with emollients to help avoid future tragedies such as the case of George.