A WOMAN died after collapsing in a Tesco store but staff lacking basic first aid training failed to notice she was not breathing, an inquest heard.
Gabriella Jaiyesimi, 20, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at a Tesco Extra in Colney Hatch, Barnet in January.
Staff made ‘inadequate’ attempts to check if Gabriella was breathing[/caption]
She was rushed to hospital by paramedics and treated for a brain injury but sadly died a month later.
A coroner investigating the tragic death has now delivered a damning report.
Coroner Mary Hassell said other shoppers could be at risk without serious and urgent changes after it was ruled that Tesco staff at the store lacked basic medical training.
She said: “It is impossible to say whether, if effective first aid and CPR had been administered, Ms Jaiyesimi’s life could have been saved.”
She added that it is “surely in the public interest” that basic first aid be offered to shoppers and staff.
Ms Hassell said: “I heard that Tesco is committed to looking after its shoppers.”
The coroner concluded that when Ms Jaiyesimi collapsed after suffering a heart attack in the store, no Tesco first aider was working or on hand to assist.
The court heard that one Tesco worker offered quick support to Ms Jaiyesimi after she suffered a fit.
The heroic staff member called an ambulance immediately but no one put Ms Jaiyesimi into the recovery position, risking obstructing her breathing.
Tragically when the 20-year-old stopped breathing none of the staff noticed.
The inquest into Ms Jaiyesimi’s death heard that an “inadequate” attempt to detect her breathing was made.
In a poor attempt at checking the dying woman’s breath a single finger was placed “somewhere near her nose”, the coroner said.
None of the staff present attempted to check tragic Ms Jaiyesimi’s pulse or heartbeat.
According to Ms Hassell “Even if they had identified her cardiac arrest, there was nobody present who would have started CPR.
Tesco Extra in Colney Hatch, Barnet[/caption]
“Nobody thought of fetching one of the store defibrillators.”
The court was told that the ambulance crew wasn’t informed of the severity of Ms Jaiyesimi’s condition.
Staff at the Tesco store reportedly did not understand what was happening.
Coroner Ms Hassell issued a report calling for urgent action to prevent future deaths.
She pointed out the store’s security guard, a contractor, was first aid trained but failed to reveal that fact to Tesco staff.
Ms Hassell said: “Despite being the only first aider present, he took no responsibility at scene.
“He failed to offer Ms Jaiyesimi or the duty manager any meaningful support at all.”
She raised serious concerns after the security guard said his training amounted to a “tick box exercise” when he was questioned at the inquest.
When the stores duty manager asked the guard to help the dying Ms Jaiyesimi he failed to check for a pulse or perform and adequate check for breath.
The security guard said he didn’t rush to get a defibrillator as he didn’t know how to properly operate one.
The inquest heard he also failed to follow the 999 operator’s instruction to put Ms Jaiyesimi in the recovery position.
Ms Hassll’s report has now been sent to the chief executive of Tesco who has been given until October 21 to set out a response to the concerns and criticisms.
Tesco is said to have offered condolences to Ms Jaiyesimi’s friends and family.
The supermarket chain is also reportedly reviewing its processes for responding to medical emergencies.
In a heartbroken tribute to Ms Ms Jaiyesimi her family wrote: “With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved Gabriella, who went to be with the Lord on February 23, 2025.
“Gabriella suffered a sudden, unexplained cardiac arrest and was in hospital until her passing.
“Though our hearts are heavy, we find solace in knowing she now rests in God’s loving embrace.”