Doctor on Trial for Allegedly Poisoning Patients to Demonstrate Resuscitation Skills
Frédéric Péchier, a doctor in France, is currently facing trial after being accused of intentionally poisoning patients during surgery to showcase his resuscitation abilities. The shocking revelation has stunned the medical community and raised concerns about patient safety in healthcare facilities. Péchier’s trial, which commenced on September 8, 2025, at the Doubs Assize Court in Besançon, has brought to light disturbing details of his alleged misconduct.
Years of investigation have linked Péchier to a series of incidents involving 30 patients, out of which 12 tragically lost their lives. The accusations against Péchier suggest a pattern of poisoning patients, both children and adults, while he served as an anaesthetist at Besançon clinics Saint-Vincent Clinic and the Franche-Comté Polyclinic from 2008 to 2017. The victims, ranging from 4 to 89 years old, were allegedly targeted by Péchier to manipulate emergency situations and demonstrate his resuscitation skills.
The prosecution’s case centres around the claim that Péchier deliberately induced cardiac arrests in patients to position himself as the saviour who could revive them. This disturbing motive suggests that Péchier may have endangered lives to boost his own professional reputation. One notable survivor, identified as Teddy, endured two cardiac arrests during a routine tonsil operation in 2016, reportedly orchestrated by Péchier to showcase his resuscitation prowess.
Reports indicate that Péchier tampered with medical equipment, including medication bags and anesthesia pouches, to create emergencies in the operating room. By manipulating these critical components, he allegedly orchestrated situations where patients went into cardiac arrest, allowing him to step in as the primary responder. This calculated behaviour not only jeopardised patient safety but also undermined the trust and collaboration among healthcare professionals.
The trial has shed light on the harrowing experiences of the victims and their families, who have been grappling with the aftermath of Péchier’s alleged actions. The courtroom proceedings have revealed disturbing instances where patients, including Sandra Simard and Jean-Claude Gandon, were exposed to life-threatening situations due to the accused doctor’s purported interventions. The gravity of the charges against Péchier underscores the urgent need for accountability and justice in healthcare settings.
As the trial progresses, Péchier continues to maintain his innocence, attributing the allegations to “medical errors” by his colleagues. His defence team has underscored the importance of evidence in proving his guilt, highlighting the complexities of the legal proceedings. The ongoing trial, expected to last until December, has captivated public attention and sparked debates about medical ethics and accountability within the healthcare system.
The case of Frédéric Péchier serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for stringent oversight and regulations in medical facilities to safeguard patient welfare. The allegations against Péchier have raised concerns about professional conduct and ethical standards in the medical profession, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability. As the trial unfolds, the quest for truth and justice for the victims remains at the forefront, highlighting the significance of upholding integrity and trust in healthcare practices.