JERSEY ambulance service has moved to reassure Islanders that work is “already underway” to address procedural concerns raised in an inquest into the death of a man who was neglected by paramedics.
A five-day inquest found that paramedics John Sutherland and Tom Le Sauteur did not provide Frazer Irvine – who went into cardiac arrest and died in his flat in March 2022 – the “most basic care” in what was described as an “extremely serious failure”.
Coroner Bridget Dolan concluded that neglect on the part of the ambulance crew ultimately caused the 39-year-old’s death.
The Coroner said Mr Irvine’s case also raised wider procedural concerns.
These included a lack of procedures or guidance for Jersey ambulance service in how to manage violence and aggression and make “difficult decisions” in these circumstances.
The “nature and quality” of information – which was relayed verbally – between the police and ambulance staff in the combined control room was also a cause for concern, with no policy on which questions should be asked to establish the urgency of a situation.
It was also recommended that CPR Q-cards, which provide feedback about the quality of life support being performed, should be considered by the ambulance service.
Following a JEP query, the service said in a statement: “While the States of Jersey Ambulance Service has not yet received the Coroner’s formal report and recommendations, we are aware of the Coroner’s concerns stated at the conclusion of the hearing.
“We want to reassure Islanders that work is already underway to address those areas, as part of our ongoing commitment to providing the highest standards of care to our community.
“The recommendations relate to procedural issues which did not cause Mr Irvine’s death, but the Coroner wished the States of Jersey Ambulance Service to address.
“We take all feedback seriously and will continue to work proactively and strengthen our service.”
Mr Sutherland and Mr Le Sauteur were convicted of failing to provide reasonable care to Mr Irvine following a trial last year and were each handed a two-year conditional discharge – they subsequently lost an appeal against their convictions.
