sandee292000
04-08-2004, 05:26 AM
Train inmates, says coroner
08 April 2004 http://www.stuff.co.nz/inl/images/null.gifBy NICOLA BOYES
A Taumarunui coroner has suggested inmates be trained to run the volunteer ambulance service in remote Ohura following the death of a prisoner.
The proposal has been made by Tim Scott in his findings into the death of Christopher John Jones, 50.
Mr Jones died in Ohura Prison on July 14, 2002, after suffering a heart attack while playing volleyball.
Emergency services were called but because of the prison's remoteness paramedics took between 45 and 50 minutes to get there.
The small community 50km northwest of Taumarunui had an ambulance available but there was no one to drive it.
During an inquest in Taumarunui last year it was revealed staff at Ohura Prison had limited first aid knowledge, there was no medical officer on staff as required, and first aid supplies were inadequate.
Mr Scott suggests, in a reserved decision, that inmates be trained in first aid or driving the local ambulance along with prison staff.
"This may seem a novel approach and out of kilter with old school prison philosophy but I cannot see why it should not work or at least be trialled."
Training inmates in first aid along with prison staff would not pose any "ethical dilemma", Mr Scott said.
Inmates at Ohura are employed in tree felling and clearing operations often in isolated areas with the most basic first aid and training, he said.
"That this (a medical emergency) has not already happened is more good luck rather than good management."
During the inquest last year the court heard oxygen bottles were available at the prison at the time of Mr Jones' death but no one knew how to use them.
Officers told Mr Scott oxygen bottles sat in the guard room at the prison but were an "article of jest".
Mr Scott said little had changed at Ohura at the time of the inquest 12 months after Mr Jones' death but upon the release of his reserve decision this week the prison had bought a defibrillator and a nurse was employed four days a week – the prison still has no medical officer.
"They (staff) did what they could with limited first aid knowledge and limited equipment to assist them."
08 April 2004 http://www.stuff.co.nz/inl/images/null.gifBy NICOLA BOYES
A Taumarunui coroner has suggested inmates be trained to run the volunteer ambulance service in remote Ohura following the death of a prisoner.
The proposal has been made by Tim Scott in his findings into the death of Christopher John Jones, 50.
Mr Jones died in Ohura Prison on July 14, 2002, after suffering a heart attack while playing volleyball.
Emergency services were called but because of the prison's remoteness paramedics took between 45 and 50 minutes to get there.
The small community 50km northwest of Taumarunui had an ambulance available but there was no one to drive it.
During an inquest in Taumarunui last year it was revealed staff at Ohura Prison had limited first aid knowledge, there was no medical officer on staff as required, and first aid supplies were inadequate.
Mr Scott suggests, in a reserved decision, that inmates be trained in first aid or driving the local ambulance along with prison staff.
"This may seem a novel approach and out of kilter with old school prison philosophy but I cannot see why it should not work or at least be trialled."
Training inmates in first aid along with prison staff would not pose any "ethical dilemma", Mr Scott said.
Inmates at Ohura are employed in tree felling and clearing operations often in isolated areas with the most basic first aid and training, he said.
"That this (a medical emergency) has not already happened is more good luck rather than good management."
During the inquest last year the court heard oxygen bottles were available at the prison at the time of Mr Jones' death but no one knew how to use them.
Officers told Mr Scott oxygen bottles sat in the guard room at the prison but were an "article of jest".
Mr Scott said little had changed at Ohura at the time of the inquest 12 months after Mr Jones' death but upon the release of his reserve decision this week the prison had bought a defibrillator and a nurse was employed four days a week – the prison still has no medical officer.
"They (staff) did what they could with limited first aid knowledge and limited equipment to assist them."