Hamish Howitt
23 Sept 2021 · Coroner Fiona King · West Sussex
The coroner's concerns
1. failure to refer intoxicated injured person to hospital
“it is highly unlikely that [the deceased] would have died had he gone to hospital when the police saw him after the incident. Police at the scene did not recommend or encourage this course of action.”
2. masking of serious medical conditions by alcohol assessment
“The apparent effects of alcohol when assessed by police (who are not medically qualified) can frequently mask serious underlying conditions such as traumatic brain injury (in this case) but also symptoms of post epileptic attack; diabetic high/low; and drug taking (either prescribed or illegally used).”
3. lack of mandatory medical referral training for police
“Police Officers who come into contact with the public are not medically qualified but must be trained at both a national and local level to take steps to ensure those who appear inebriated and are complaining of injury are taken to hospital/seen by ambulance services.”
4. missing directives in police training and policy
“Police training material and national policy setting should include directives to this effect.”
Responses
2021-0320-Joint-response-from-College-of-Policing-and-National-Police-Chiefs-Council_Published.pdf ↗· College of Policing
Stated action · 13th December
“The College is also working with clinical leads to review the high-level learning outcomes within the FALP with the aim of placing greater emphasis on the training elements that preserve life. The review is already considering addressing the issue of acute alcohol intoxication and intentional overdoses within Module 2. It is also considering extending the learning in relation to head injuries to Module 2.”
2021-0320-Response-from-Avon-and-Somerset-Constabulary_Published.pdf ↗· Avon and Somerset Police
Stated action · 14 October 2021
“An internal communications bulletin has been sent to all officers which identified head injuries as a matter of concern, and provided a link to "essential guidance" on head injuries. This was included in the "Must know" section of the bulletin, which all officers are required to read. The linked guidance states that if an officer or staff member has any suspicion, or is told in good faith, that a person may have a head injury, they should treat the person as such in the absence of clear evidence”
2021-0320-Response-from-Home-Office_Published.pdf ↗· Home Office