Coroner highlights ambulance response issues after man dies from life-threatening condition
Scott Taylor's death has raised questions about emergency call categorisation.
A coroner has expressed concerns about emergency response procedures following the death of Scott Taylor, who suffered from Acute Behavioural Disturbance (ABD) after cocaine use.
Mr Taylor passed away on 13th August 2022 at Basildon Hospital from multiorgan failure and rhabdomyolysis.
The day prior, officers were called to a Basildon club on Northumberland Avenue, where Mr Taylor displayed signs of ABD, including extreme agitation and apparent insensitivity to pain.
Police suspected a medical emergency and called 999, but the incident was marked as a Category 2 emergency, which is serious but not immediately life-threatening.
Officers felt compelled to urgently transport Mr Taylor to the hospital when his condition worsened.
Essex coroner Sonia Hayes, in her prevention of future deaths report, pointed out inconsistencies in the East of England Ambulance Service Trust's protocol, especially regarding cases involving ABD and active restraint.
The report suggests that there should be a clear link between active restraint and Category 1 escalation, addressing procedural discrepancies that could impact patient outcomes.
While this procedural gap did not directly cause Mr Taylor's death, the report highlights the need for better police training in recognizing and handling ABD.
Following a police referral, an IOPC investigation concluded with no fault assigned to the officers involved.
In response, Essex Police issued a statement extending condolences to Mr Taylor's family and affirming their commitment to addressing the coroner’s concerns.
The East of England Ambulance Service has pledged to improve procedures for responding to ABD symptoms and ensure continued staff training within Emergency Operations Centres.