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A critical incident has been declared after a man went into cardiac arrest and died in an ambulance after police restrained him and paramedics attempted to sedate him.
Ambulances were called to a welfare check in Sydney’s inner south at 2.14am on Tuesday, and found a man suffering from a mental health episode inside a Waterloo unit, police say.
A crime scene has been declared at the Waterloo unit block.Credit: Sam Mooy
Paramedics then called for urgent assistance from police, with officers attending the Pitt Street address. The man was initially co-operative as officers and paramedics assisted him into an ambulance, police say, until the incident took a turn.
“At some point, that male has become non-compliant and has resisted aggressively,” Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said at a press conference.
Police restrained the man using handcuffs, so that paramedics would be able to sedate him, McKenna said.
A local leaves flowers at the Waterloo unit block.Credit: Sam Mooy
“I’m unaware if he actually was sedated ... at this point in time, but shortly thereafter, that male has gone into cardiac arrest.”
The 45-year-old was pronounced dead on arrival at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, despite paramedics’ attempts to revive him.
The incident is being treated as a death in custody, with a critical incident investigation set to scrutinise the interactions between the man and four police officers who were directly involved.
The entire incident was captured on an officer-worn body camera, with the footage set to form a crucial part of the investigation.
McKenna said emergency services had attended the scene to assist the man, who was known to police.
“Make no mistake, the police and the ambulance officers went there to help someone today. It’s unfortunate that this male is now deceased,” he said.
“When ambulance officers decide to sedate someone. It’s usually for their own protection. ”
Critical incidents are events that involve a member of the police force that result in the death of or serious injury to a person.
When the declaration is made, a further investigation is launched. This incident will be investigated by the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, with oversight by the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC).
“The NSWPF are investigating the circumstances of the incident, and this investigation will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command,” a LECC statement read.
“The LECC is independently monitoring the investigation of the critical incident.”
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