Expert: More collaborative training needed to help people in crisis in Winnipeg

An expert in police use-of-force says better collaboration between 911 dispatch, police, and local emergency services may help prevent future deaths when it comes to helping people in distressed and agitated states.

The remarks were entered onto the record as part of an ongoing inquest examining the deaths of Patrick Gagnon, Michael Bagot, Sean Thompson, Matthew Fossenueve and Randy Cochrane. All of which would die following police interactions in Winnipeg in less than a year.

“As we look at a response to somebody who is in this state, it starts with the dispatchers receiving the call,” said Sgt. Kelly Keith.

Sgt. Keith, an expert in police use-of-force told Judge Lindy Choy as he testified Bagot and Thompson, may have been helped by a unified response between emergency personnel.

Keith explained when it comes to people in a state of hyperactive delirium and agitation, more inter-agency training is needed, so police are able to identify symptoms of a person in distress, and 911 call takers dispatch advanced care paramedics at the same time.

“If this was automatically engaged in times where there’s enough of a belief that it could be this situation, it could reduce the time for Winnipeg Police Service to have to hold somebody down on the ground,” said Sgt. Keith. 

He says the sooner a paramedic is on scene, the sooner sedation can be administered, saying that sometimes when people are in an agitated state, they’re unable to feel pain, meaning some restraints wouldn’t be effective.  He says training would create a more proactive response to people who are experiencing symptoms of this nature. 

The inquest continues Tuesday.