Investigation and inquest
On 18th June 2014 I commenced an investigation into the death of Rio Andrew, age 15. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 6th January 2016. The conclusion of the inquest was that Rio died from multiple organ failure due to acute MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) intoxication, having taken MDMA some time late on the 14th or early 15th June 2014. I concluded that his death was drug related.
Circumstances of the death
Rio attended an illegal rave at a large disused Post Office building in Croydon. He became unwell as a result of taking MDMA and was taken to the “medics”. The organisers of the rave had arranged for a private company to provide event medical cover at the venue. The company was registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) who regulate “transport services, triage and medical advice provided remotely”. They do not regulate treatment provided through temporary arrangements for sporting or cultural events.
One of the “medics” provided by the company had received classroom training from Lifeskills Medical UK. His practical work (necessary to complete his certification) was being mentored and signed off by an ambulance technician whose qualifications have not been found acceptable to Lifeskills Medical UK
Coroner’s concerns
(1) The regulation of the private company by the CQC provided false security as to what was in fact being regulated. The only activity that was regulated was transport from the rave in an ambulance on a public road, which activity was not in fact needed because Rio was handed over to the London Ambulance Service outside the venue. The level of medical knowledge displayed by the private medical staff was poor.
The exemption for temporary arrangements means that the provision of medical assistance at events is entirely unregulated. This includes not only illegal raves, but legal events such as sporting events, fetes and festivals.
(2) This lack of regulation extends to individuals calling themselves ambulance technicians. They are not regulated and the title is not protected.
(3) Individuals undergoing training at Lifeskills UK Ltd (and possibly other private training providers) are left to find their own mentor(s) without checks being made by the company as to their suitability or any register or panel from which the choice can be made.