Matthew Lewis
13 Feb 2019 · Coroner Graeme Hughes · South Wales Central
The coroner's concerns
1. confusing or inconsistent instructions to willing rescuers
“Both in their evidence expressed confusion as to the instr assed to them by the calli handler. In particular, whether __they should approach Mr [name redacted] and attempt to cut him down or refrain from doing so in the interests of scene preservation”
Responses
2019-0048-Response-by-College-of-Policing.pdf ↗· College of Policing
Stated action · within the next month
“amend the learning standards for contact management staff to reflect that the preservation of life is paramount when considering the impact on scene preservation and that suitable instructions should be given to willing members of the public who are able to assist in preserving life and providing rescue where possible”
2019-0048-Response-by-South-Wales-Police.pdf ↗· South Wales Police
Stated action
“South Wales Police have a procedure in place for new and inexperienced call handlers, where a trainer or more experienced operator monitors and is able to step in very quickly when the new operator is unsure of the advice they should be giving”