Strangeways prisoner who died in cell may have survived if staff had responded faster, inquest hears
manchestereveningnews.co.ukA quicker response from prison staff may have saved the life of an inmate who was found unconscious in his cell, an inquest heard.
Paul Johnstone, 37, who had a long history of drug misuse, was found unconscious at 1.40pm on January 2, 2019. He was lying motionless on the top bunk-bed when the alarm was raised at Strangeways prison.
Cellmate Derek Hulme called for help after he didn't respond when nudged. Prison officer Paul Thompson told Manchester Coroners' Court he answered the alarm and was asked by Mr Hulme: "Can you check on him?" Read more: Driver of supercar stopped by police as he drives wrong way down one-way street without registration plates Giving evidence during a three-day inquest, Mr Thompson added: "I checked his neck for a pulse and thought I felt one but it might have been adrenaline." He then ran downstairs and alerted other members of staff to assist him.
The officer explained he had worked at the prison for 15 months on the drugs and detox wing and had received 10 weeks training on emergency response codes.
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