Thomas Humphrey inquest jury calls for better training, collaboration

The inquest jury examining the death of Thomas Humphrey has made 10 recommendations directed at Chatham-Kent police, EMS, the local hospital and the province.

The recommendations, handed down late Thursday afternoon, focus on improved training, strengthening debriefing supports and collaboration between police, paramedics and the hospital when dealing with someone suffering severe agitation.

Humphrey, 35, of Delaware Nation at Moraviantown heritage, died in the Chatham hospital Aug. 6, 2019, after interacting with Chatham-Kent police officers. An inquest into his death is mandatory under the Coroners Act.

Testimony heard by the five-person jury including details of the chaotic situation when Chatham-Kent Emergency Medical Services paramedics and police officers interacted with Humphrey