A coronial inquest has begun into the death of a wheelchair-using amputee, who likely died while police and paramedics argued over whether they were able to force their way into his house.

In February 2020, David Low was alone at home when he called his NDIS carer for help. 

Concerned about his wellbeing, the carer called triple zero. 

Wheelchair-bound man died with responders outside his door
A coronial inquest has begun into the death of a wheelchair-using amputee, who likely died while police and paramedics argued over whether they were able to force their way into his house. (Nine)

Paramedic Darryl Sparrow arrived at the Adelaide home at 4.20pm but didn’t force his way inside despite the carer’s insistence that Low was in there.

When police arrived, they were told it was up to the ambulance service to act.

The officers and the paramedic were then each involved in phone calls going higher and higher up the chain, allegedly arguing as the minutes went by.

The paramedic said he needed evidence Low was inside to activate his powers to break in, while police said they couldn’t do it because it was a medical case.

Wheelchair-bound man died with responders outside his door
In February 2020, David Low was alone at home when he called his NDIS carer for help.  (Nine)

The coroner was today told that both were wrong.

It was not until 5.23pm that Low’s daughter arrived with a key and discovered her father dead inside.

A medical expert is expected to testify that Low likely died while the confusion played out outside.

Whether the rights of entry policies need to be updated, or whether there needs to be better training for frontline services will be central to the inquest.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.
You May Also Like

Space tourists splash down after traveling an orbit never attempted before

SpaceX is wrapping up the latest chapter in its commercial human spaceflight…

Weekend Parting Shot: When Rich Libs Steal

Happy Friday, Gentle Readers, I pray this missive finds you well.…

'Pro-Palestinian' Activists Take Over McGill University in Montreal

It’s not an accident that the latest campus uprising is happening…

Obama and Harris publicly rebuke Trump's second-term actions

Former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday…