Investigation and inquest
On 21st October 2015 I commenced an investigation into the death of Lee Richard Gaunt dob 26th October 1973. The investigation concluded on the 11th February 2016 and the conclusion was one of Suicide. The medical cause of death was 1a Hanging.
Circumstances of the death
On the 17th October 2015 he went to work the night shift at Stalybridge Fire Station. He had recently been suffering a loss of confidence at work following the death of a colleague in a fire in Manchester where he was one of the commanders. He was found hanging from a tree at the Fire Station.
Coroner’s concerns
1. There appeared to be rather less than effective support from Occupational Health and it took a long time for the deceased to be able to see the doctor.
2. Whilst it was known by the Fire and Rescue Service that he was suffering as a result of the death of his colleague, nonetheless he was required to take on the extra duties of Crew manager and Watch Manager.
3. In the aftermath of the death of his colleague, and whilst being forced to take on the extra Watch Manager job, he was also having to cope with the extra (and as he regarded it, strenuous) task of leading the fire-fighters as First-Responders to assist North West Ambulance Service in attending cardiac arrest calls.
4. It became apparent in the course of the evidence, that the deceased and his wife felt there was a general failure by the GMFRS to provide support staff in stressful situations.