Also known as: Third-degree burn
Heather sustained extensive second- and third-degree burns over 60% of her body from a methamphetamine lab explosion. She developed severe complications including hyperkalemia causing ventricular tachycardia and ultimately died from her injuries.
Also known as: Smoke inhalation
Heather's lungs sustained severe inhalation injuries from the explosion, requiring intubation and high-flow oxygen. The lung damage contributed significantly to her deterioration and death.
Also known as: Gas poisoning
Betsey suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the explosion, which caused her to lose consciousness. Dell was told she would take longer to wake up than most patients because of her small size.
Also known as: Head trauma
Betsey sustained a moderate brain contusion from the explosion. Pete performed a CT scan which revealed the contusion, but she ultimately made a full neurological recovery with no ongoing problems.
Also known as: High potassium
Heather developed dangerously high potassium levels from tissue damage caused by her extensive burns, which triggered life-threatening heart rhythm abnormalities requiring emergency resuscitation.
Also known as: V-tach
Heather experienced runs of ventricular tachycardia secondary to hyperkalemia, which progressed to ventricular fibrillation requiring defibrillation and ultimately contributed to her death.
Also known as: Heroin addiction
Heather had relapsed into drug use and was cooking methamphetamine when an ether explosion occurred. Dell discovered a pipe the night before but chose to believe her lies about not using again.