Investigation and inquest
On 26 August 2014 I commenced an investigation into the death of Kai Lambe aged 9 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 1 October 2014. The conclusion of the inquest was Accidental death with Kai having died from the effects of drowning.
Circumstances of the death
Kai Lambe was certified dead at Queen’s Hospital Burton at 22.38 on 22nd August 2014 from the effects of drowning. Earlier that day he had gone to the Rover Dove at Tutbury and had gone down a salmon chute. He could not swim very well and sank under the water.
Coroner’s concerns
At the inquest I heard helpful evidence from Inspector ████████ from your force. The incident which led to death took place in the River Dove which borders Staffordshire and Derbyshire. Because of local masts the initial 999 call went to Derbyshire. Derbyshire determined that the incident was in Staffordshire (emulating from the Staffordshire side of the River) and transferred the emergency call to Staffordshire. Staffordshire Officers then responded. Inspector Abbot indicated that this was in accordance with protocol although protocol does not necessarily have to be followed. There was a difference of 5 minutes between the time that the call was received by Derbyshire and the Staffordshire log commencing. In a case of a drowning child, 5 minutes can be very significant. I wonder if there is a training need for control room operators in Derbyshire to be aware to dispatch immediately Derbyshire Officers in urgent situations occurring on or close to the border between the 2 counties.