Concerns raised 1
Lack of guidance or protocols on when to stop resuscitation View source
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Linked responses
Association of Ambulance Chief Executives Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust (YAS
Stated actions An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised. 5
Association of Ambulance Chief Executives
Update termination-of-resuscitation guidance, extending the recommended termination decision point from 20 to 30 minutes.
View source
Association of Ambulance Chief Executives
Continue reviewing and updating ambulance clinical guidance regularly and when new evidence becomes available.
View source
Association of Ambulance Chief Executives
Participate in the ongoing national study examining how and where to stop out-of-hospital cardiac-arrest resuscitation attempts.
View source
Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust (YAS
Review and update clinical documentation supporting decisions to terminate resuscitation attempts.
View source
Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust (YAS
Cover decisions to terminate resuscitation attempts in annual clinical refresher training.
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Mark Bennett · Prevention of Future Deaths report
This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.
Report summary
Mark Bennett died at Meadowhall Shopping Centre Sheffield on 14 April 2022 from a pulmonary embolism following a leg injury and immobility after a trip in the London Underground. During the inquest, concerns were raised that ambulance guidance was unclear about how long resuscitation should continue and when patients should be taken to hospital for possible thrombolysis, and that this might place future patients at risk.
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How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Lack of guidance or protocols on when to stop resuscitation
Wider context from the report “5.1 I believe there is a lack of guidance and/or protocols on what constitutes best practice on this issue for paramedics and/or ambulance staff which might place future patients at risk in similar situations. In particular, how long should resuscitation continue for and when should a patient be taken to hospital for thrombolysis.
” Source location Mark Bennett · Prevention of Future Deaths report Page 2 · concerns
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Update termination-of-resuscitation guidance, extending the recommended termination decision point from 20 to 30 minutes.
Verbatim wording from the response “With regard to the UK ambulance service clinical practice guidelines (the “JRCALC guidelines”). The JRCALC guidelines are in regular use by ambulance clinicians across the UK and guide decisions on the assessment and management of a wide range of clinical presentations. The guidelines have specific sections on many aspects of resuscitation. The guidelines are based on clinical evidence and are aligned to other published guidance such as from the Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) and NICE. One particularly guideline is called: Termination of Resuscitation and Verification of Death in Adults. It contains guidance on those conditions that are unequivocally associated death, and other conditions where resuscitation may be withheld or discontinued. The guidance was updated in October 2022 and the decision to terminate resuscitation was increased from 20 minutes to 30 minutes.”
Source location Response from Association of Ambulance Chief Executives Page 1 · response Published 22 November 2023
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Continue reviewing and updating ambulance clinical guidance regularly and when new evidence becomes available.
Verbatim wording from the response “The JRCALC guidelines are produced to assist UK Paramedics undertake their role effectively. We appreciate that our clinicians have to make difficult decisions around resuscitation practice, especially in relation to when to commence and when to terminate resuscitation. Many factors need to be taken into account, often rapidly and during stressful situations. We are continually reviewing and updating all our guidance on a regular basis and when new evidence becomes available.”
Source location Response from Association of Ambulance Chief Executives Page 2 · response Published 22 November 2023
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Participate in the ongoing national study examining how and where to stop out-of-hospital cardiac-arrest resuscitation attempts.
Verbatim wording from the response “We are supportive and engaged with a current and ongoing National Institute for Health Research funded study titled: Exploring and improving resuscitation decisions in out of hospital cardiac arrest. The study aims to determine what is the best approach for deciding when and where to stop resuscitation attempts. Presentation of research findings to a stakeholder group took place on 18th October 23 of which a number of AACE representatives attended. The output from this research will be an evidence informed, ethically grounded, termination of resuscitation guideline, which is acceptable to NHS staff, patients and their relatives. Subject to relevant approval processes, we anticipate that the results of this study may lead to an update to our JRCALC guidance leading to better decisions for patients and their relatives.”
Source location Response from Association of Ambulance Chief Executives Page 2 · response Published 22 November 2023
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Review and update clinical documentation supporting decisions to terminate resuscitation attempts.
Verbatim wording from the response “Paramedics are also supported to make decisions about the futility of commencing or continuing resuscitation attempts and JRCALC provides clear guidance on the scope in which paramedics may make these difficult decisions. Unfortunately, in this instance, but clearly with the best of intentions, a decision was made which falls outside that scope. On review, YAS documentation could be more supportive in making these decisions. To that end, I have asked that the clinical documentation is reviewed and updated, and decisions relating to the termination of resuscitation attempts are covered as a component of annual clinical refresher training.”
Source location Response from Yorkshire Ambulance Service Page 2 · response Published 22 November 2023
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Cover decisions to terminate resuscitation attempts in annual clinical refresher training.
Verbatim wording from the response “Paramedics are also supported to make decisions about the futility of commencing or continuing resuscitation attempts and JRCALC provides clear guidance on the scope in which paramedics may make these difficult decisions. Unfortunately, in this instance, but clearly with the best of intentions, a decision was made which falls outside that scope. On review, YAS documentation could be more supportive in making these decisions. To that end, I have asked that the clinical documentation is reviewed and updated, and decisions relating to the termination of resuscitation attempts are covered as a component of annual clinical refresher training.”
Source location Response from Yorkshire Ambulance Service Page 2 · response Published 22 November 2023
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How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Existing JRCALC guidance provides resuscitation, termination, thrombolysis and conveyance instructions for ambulance clinicians.
Verbatim wording from the response “With regard to the UK ambulance service clinical practice guidelines (the “JRCALC guidelines”). The JRCALC guidelines are in regular use by ambulance clinicians across the UK and guide decisions on the assessment and management of a wide range of clinical presentations. The guidelines have specific sections on many aspects of resuscitation. The guidelines are based on clinical evidence and are aligned to other published guidance such as from the Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK) and NICE. One particularly guideline is called: Termination of Resuscitation and Verification of Death in Adults. It contains guidance on those conditions that are unequivocally associated death, and other conditions where resuscitation may be withheld or discontinued. The guidance was updated in October 2022 and the decision to terminate resuscitation was increased from 20 minutes to 30 minutes.”
Source location Response from Association of Ambulance Chief Executives Page 1 · response Published 22 November 2023
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How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Existing JRCALC and Resuscitation Council guidelines clearly address resuscitation and potentially reversible causes, including suspected pulmonary embolism.
Verbatim wording from the response “Nationally, ambulance clinicians follow standard clinical practice guidelines developed and managed by the Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee (JRCALC) on behalf of the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE). These are universally referred to as the JRCALC Guidelines. Guidelines relating to the management of cardiac arrest follow the Resuscitation Council (UK) guidelines. The guidelines are clear on the delivery of Advanced Life Support (ALS) and when to consider that to commence or continue resuscitation attempts would be futile. YAS clinicians have the ability at all times to access these guidelines via an app on a personal issue YAS mobile phone.”
Source location Response from Yorkshire Ambulance Service Page 1 · response Published 22 November 2023
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Concerns raised 1
Confusing definitions of post-death signs in CPR decision-making guidance View source
This report raised 2 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
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Darren Adams · Prevention of Future Deaths report
This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.
Report summary
Darren Adams was transferred between prisons and, within 24 hours of arrival, experienced a deterioration in his mental health. He was found ligatured in his cell on 12 November 2017 and was declared dead at hospital on 13 November 2017; the inquest concluded that he died by suicide. Concerns included nursing staff misdiagnosing hypostasis and rigor mortis, insufficient training in identifying these conditions, and potentially confusing definitions in CPR guidance.
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How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Confusing definitions of post-death signs in CPR decision-making guidance
Wider context from the report “4. It was seen during the evidence that definitions in Annex A of the document “Guidance to support the decision-making process of when not to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in prisons and immigration removal centre (IRC)” could be confusing , for example the word “mottling” was interpreted by different people in different ways (both lay and medical) .
” Source location Darren Adams · Prevention of Future Deaths report Page 2 · concerns
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Share the response with the guidance authors and the RCUK Community and Ambulance Resuscitation committee.
Verbatim wording from the response “11. Finally, RCUK has shared this response with:”
Source location 2021-0125-Response-from-Resuscitation-Council-UK_Published Page 2 · response Published 4 May 2021
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Teach staff the practical meaning of terminology used in Resuscitation Council UK guidance.
Verbatim wording from the response “Response: This guidance was issued by the National Offender Management Service (NOMS), Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) in March 2016. Therefore, the terminology sits outside the control of Practice Plus Group. For Practice Plus Group we will:”
Source location Response from Practice Plus Group Page 3 · response Published 4 May 2021
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Incorporate revisions to the relevant guidance into Practice Plus Group training.
Verbatim wording from the response “Response: This guidance was issued by the National Offender Management Service (NOMS), Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) in March 2016. Therefore, the terminology sits outside the control of Practice Plus Group. For Practice Plus Group we will:”
Source location Response from Practice Plus Group Page 3 · response Published 4 May 2021
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How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Changing the terminology in the prison CPR guidance is outside the respondent’s control.
Verbatim wording from the response “Response: This guidance was issued by the National Offender Management Service (NOMS), Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) in March 2016. Therefore, the terminology sits outside the control of Practice Plus Group. For Practice Plus Group we will:”
Source location Response from Practice Plus Group Page 3 · response Published 4 May 2021
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19 Jan 2021 Vhari Ingall · Prevention of Future Deaths report Wiltshire and Swindon
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Concerns raised 1
Failure to limit Do Not Resuscitate document applicability to natural deaths View source
This report raised 4 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
Linked responses
Association of Ambulance Chief Executives Care Quality Commission Department of Health and Social Care
Stated actions An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised. 8
Care Quality Commission
Promote a specific inspection focus on apparent suicide attempts where a do-not-resuscitate order is present.
View source
Association of Ambulance Chief Executives
Review and strengthen JRCALC guidance on resuscitation exceptions and DNACPR application.
View source
Department of Health and Social Care
Commission a review of pandemic-era DNACPR use to identify recommendations preventing inappropriate notices on patient records.
View source
Department of Health and Social Care
Drive forward implementation of the Care Quality Commission’s recommendations on pandemic-era DNACPR use.
View source
Care Quality Commission
Continue consulting on regulatory next steps and reviewing and updating regulatory approaches, including scope for end-of-life and DNAR/TEP regulation.
View source
Care Quality Commission
Continue responding to DNAR/TEP risks through routine regulatory monitoring and inspection during the consultation period.
View source
Care Quality Commission
Publish a national report on findings and recommendations concerning DNACPR decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
View source
Care Quality Commission
Share key learning and practice points from the inquest with inspectors.
View source See 5 more actions
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AI-generated summary
Vhari Ingall · Prevention of Future Deaths report
This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.
Report summary
Vhari Ingall died from an oxycodone drug overdose, with the inquest returning a conclusion of suicide. The principal concerns were the failure to review an outdated Treatment Escalation Plan/Do Not Resuscitate form after her diagnosis changed, and whether healthcare professionals and emergency services could access accurate and current information about such forms.
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How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to limit Do Not Resuscitate document applicability to natural deaths
Wider context from the report “Even though neither of these cases have proceeded to a final Inquest hearing in accordance with Regulation 28 of the Coroners (Investigation) Regulation 2013 a report to prevent future deaths can be made if evidence comes before the Coroner that causes a concern and triggers the Coroner’s duty to submit such a report if the Coroner thinks it is appropriate. I am of the view that this duty has now been triggered because the death of Ms. Ingall raises the same issue and concern that I have following the death of Mrs. Johnson. The concern is that the Do Not Resuscitate document applies to all my sociality a natural death. We know that Mrs. Johnson did not die a natural cause of death and there were sufficient information indicators at the scene and the Paramedics were aware that she had taken, more likely than not, an overdose. The same appears to be the case with Ms. Ingall although this is subject to confirmation following the post mortem examination. A person dying as a result of self-harm and as a result of an overdose cannot if any way whatsoever be regarded as a natural death , it is my view and concern that Paramedics are being placed in a difficult position as well of those that they are responsible for caring for if they do not intervene appropriately. It may be the case at hospital and potentially with the involvement of mental health professionals that a decision is taken to withdraw treatment, but I am concerned, especially having regard to Article 2 of the European Convention of Human Rights that that decision is not taken by frontline Paramedics and I would ask you to urgently review the instructions and guidance given to your frontline Paramedics in these situations.
” Source location Vhari Ingall · Prevention of Future Deaths report Page 2 · concerns
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Promote a specific inspection focus on apparent suicide attempts where a do-not-resuscitate order is present.
Verbatim wording from the response “As part of our inspection methodology, we routinely look at the training in, and presence and understanding of processes and policies surrounding the mental capacity act and best interest decisions. This is ordinarily a more generic look at such subjects, and so the addition of this focus on patients who have apparently attempted to take their own lives will be promoted within the CQC by the ambulance group.”
Source location 2020-0084-Response-from-the-Care-Quality-Commission_Redacted-1 Page 3 · response Published 20 April 2020
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Review and strengthen JRCALC guidance on resuscitation exceptions and DNACPR application.
Verbatim wording from the response “AACE, through NASMeD, has undertaken to review the JRCALC guidelines relating to the circumstances in which resuscitation attempts should not be undertaken, and the application of DNACPR forms, and strengthen the guidance in an attempt to prevent recurrence of these unfortunate situations. I trust that this response addresses your concerns.”
Source location 2020-0084-Response-from-Association-of-Ambulance-Chief-Executives_Redacted-1 Page 2 · response Published 20 April 2020
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Commission a review of pandemic-era DNACPR use to identify recommendations preventing inappropriate notices on patient records.
Verbatim wording from the response “In light of concerns around DNACPR notices used during the pandemic, the Department commissioned the Care Quality Commission to review the use of DNACPRs and provide a series of recommendations to ensure inappropriate notices are not placed on patient’s records. The final report was published on 18 March 2021. We are committed to driving forward implementation of the recommendations within the report.”
Source location 2020-0084-Response-from-Dept-of-Health-and-Social-Care-Redacted Page 3 · response Published 20 April 2020
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Drive forward implementation of the Care Quality Commission’s recommendations on pandemic-era DNACPR use.
Verbatim wording from the response “In light of concerns around DNACPR notices used during the pandemic, the Department commissioned the Care Quality Commission to review the use of DNACPRs and provide a series of recommendations to ensure inappropriate notices are not placed on patient’s records. The final report was published on 18 March 2021. We are committed to driving forward implementation of the recommendations within the report.”
Source location 2020-0084-Response-from-Dept-of-Health-and-Social-Care-Redacted Page 3 · response Published 20 April 2020
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Continue consulting on regulatory next steps and reviewing and updating regulatory approaches, including scope for end-of-life and DNAR/TEP regulation.
Verbatim wording from the response “We are currently now in a period of consultation about our next steps of regulation. During this time, we will continually keep our scope of regulation under review and”
Source location 2020-0084-Response-from-CQC-to-further-PFD-report-Redacted Page 2 · response Published 20 April 2020
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Continue responding to DNAR/TEP risks through routine regulatory monitoring and inspection during the consultation period.
Verbatim wording from the response “We continue to respond to risk via routine monitoring and inspection during this consultation period, including concerns and issues raised in this report.”
Source location 2020-0084-Response-from-CQC-to-further-PFD-report-Redacted Page 3 · response Published 20 April 2020
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Publish a national report on findings and recommendations concerning DNACPR decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Verbatim wording from the response “In October 2020, the Department of Health and Social Care asked CQC to review the use of Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has been an area of shared concern about the blanket application of DNACPR decisions. Our interim report was published in November 2020. A national report of our findings and recommendations will be published by March 2021. This report will set out all the themes and trends we have found, outlining any known changes to the use of DNACPR in response to the pandemic and describing good practice for the future.”
Source location 2020-0084-Response-from-CQC-to-further-PFD-report-Redacted Page 2 · response Published 20 April 2020
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Share key learning and practice points from the inquest with inspectors.
Verbatim wording from the response “Where CQC identifies that regulations are not being met, we use our enforcement powers to require improvements to be made. We continue to do this and will share key learning and practice points from the inquest into the death of Vhari Ingall and Mary Grace Johnson with inspectors.”
Source location 2020-0084-Response-from-CQC-to-further-PFD-report-Redacted Page 3 · response Published 20 April 2020
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How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation The healthcare professionals responsible for immediate care retain the final decision on whether attempting CPR is clinically appropriate.
Verbatim wording from the response “Advance person-centred care planning enables individuals to make informed decisions about their future care treatment and support. As part of this planning, DNACPR decisions can allow focus on the wishes of the individual in cases where cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may be needed. However, unless it meets the strict criteria for an advance decision to refuse treatment, a DNACPR decision itself is not legally binding. The form should be regarded as an advance clinical assessment and decision, recorded to guide immediate clinical decision-making in the event of a patient’s cardiorespiratory arrest or death. The final decision regarding whether or not attempting CPR is clinically appropriate, rests with the healthcare professionals responsible for the patient’s immediate care at that time.”
Source location 2020-0084-Response-from-Dept-of-Health-and-Social-Care-Redacted Page 1 · response Published 20 April 2020
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How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Previous inspections found no relevant concerns about either practice’s policies, training, systems, or end-of-life care arrangements.
Verbatim wording from the response “CQC undertook an inspection in June 2016 at the GP practice where Vhari Ingall was registered as a patient. This inspection was undertaken prior to the death of Ms Ingall. There were no areas of concern in relation to the relevant practice policies, staff understanding, training and systems to support patients with their care, treatment or planning for their end of life.”
Source location 2020-0084-Response-from-CQC-to-further-PFD-report-Redacted Page 3 · response Published 20 April 2020
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25 Jan 2019 Gareth Cecil Bickerstaff · Prevention of Future Deaths report Manchester North
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Concerns raised 1
Ambiguous and inconsistent guidance on diagnosis of death and timing of resuscitation decisions View source
No linked response statements No respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
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Gareth Cecil Bickerstaff · Prevention of Future Deaths report
This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.
Report summary
Gareth Cecil Bickerstaff died by hanging after self-ligaturing in the roof space of a Tesco Express while experiencing paranoia and under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The report identified inconsistent wording between national and local ambulance guidance about when the 15-minute period for deciding whether to attempt resuscitation should be calculated, creating potential for misinterpretation and misunderstanding.
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How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Ambiguous and inconsistent guidance on diagnosis of death and timing of resuscitation decisions
Wider context from the report “1. During the course of the evidence heard at inquest, it became apparent that there was a critical difference between the language used within the JRCALC Guidance and the local ambulance Trust’s guidance to Paramedics in relation to the diagnosis of death/decision to resuscitate criteria .
I was told that whilst Trusts base the drafting of local Guidance/Policy on the JCALC Guidance, they are permitted to use their own language/interpretations .
The JCALC Guidance indicates that resuscitation should not be attempted [inter alia] where more than 15 minutes have passed since the onset of cardiac arrest (presumably diagnosed clinically and/or by way of ECG), whereas the local ambulance Trust’s guidance indicates that the 15 minute timeframe should be calculated from the onset of ‘collapse’ (this is not defined further but prima facie is reliant upon bystander observation). I am concerned that in allowing for ‘local interpretation’ and different meanings as to when the 15 minutes is calculated from, there is the potential for misinterpretation, ambiguity and misunderstanding in relation to emergency resuscitation , creating a risk of future deaths.
” Source location Gareth Cecil Bickerstaff · Prevention of Future Deaths report Page 2 · concerns
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31 Jan 2017 Dipa Rameshchandra Lad · Prevention of Future Deaths report Nottinghamshire
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Concerns raised 1
Lack of guidance for determining when resuscitation is futile View source
This report raised 6 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
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Dipa Rameshchandra Lad · Prevention of Future Deaths report
This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.
Report summary
Dipa Lad died after using an item of clothing to ligate on 4 March 2016; the medical cause of death was ligature pressure to the neck. The principal concerns related to differences between national guidance and the local ambulance protocol for stopping resuscitation, including the lack of guidance on when resuscitation was futile, staff awareness and training, and the clarity of the procedure. A further concern related to the technique used by one technician when giving chest compressions.
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How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Lack of guidance for determining when resuscitation is futile
Wider context from the report “2. The distinction between national guidance and local protocol is that EMAS crews may deem a resuscitation effort to be ‘futile’. This is a clear and important deviation from national guidance, yet staff have been given no guidance about what a ‘futile’ resuscitation is . Whilst this may be clear in some situations, the protocol, if adopted, should give guidance where a situation is less clear – and perhaps consider providing that where there is any doubt, that full ALS protocol should be applied. As it currently stands, the protocol places a large burden on staff to ascertain ‘futility’ with no guidance whatsoever .
” Source location Dipa Rameshchandra Lad · Prevention of Future Deaths report Page 2 · concerns
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Revise and approve the Diagnosis of Death Procedure to clarify wording, align flowcharts, and provide guidance on recognising futile resuscitation.
Verbatim wording from the response “Although the procedure was based upon national guidance and was deemed to be safe following this inquest the current EMAS Diagnosis of Death Procedure has been reviewed again against the national guidance. The revised version has been approved within EMAS and I have attached a copy for your reference.”
Source location 2017-0019-Response-by-East-Midlands-Ambulance-Service-NHS-Trust Page 2 · response Published 19 February 2017
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Update the clinician action card with Diagnosis of Death Procedure guidance on futility and when resuscitation should not be commenced or continued.
Verbatim wording from the response “To support clinicians and assist clinicians with recognising when resuscitation may be futile, an action card has been updated to include the relevant parts of the update of the Diagnosis of Death Procedure which assists with identifying the key features if managing a cardiac arrest with appropriate management plans. This will include the guidance around ‘futility’ and when resuscitation should not be commenced/continued. The action cards will be issued to all ambulance clinicians to support them within their role.”
Source location 2017-0019-Response-by-East-Midlands-Ambulance-Service-NHS-Trust Page 5 · response Published 19 February 2017
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Issue the updated action cards to all ambulance clinicians.
Verbatim wording from the response “To support clinicians and assist clinicians with recognising when resuscitation may be futile, an action card has been updated to include the relevant parts of the update of the Diagnosis of Death Procedure which assists with identifying the key features if managing a cardiac arrest with appropriate management plans. This will include the guidance around ‘futility’ and when resuscitation should not be commenced/continued. The action cards will be issued to all ambulance clinicians to support them within their role.”
Source location 2017-0019-Response-by-East-Midlands-Ambulance-Service-NHS-Trust Page 5 · response Published 19 February 2017
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