FAI into death of Coatbridge car showroom manager and Scottish Ambulance Service response to emergency

David McClenaghan, 57, suffered a heart attack and dialled 999 but when paramedics arrived they saw no sign of him and reportedly left the scene without getting out their ambulance.

Jenness Mitchell

Scotland reporter

Tuesday 30 July 2024 16:25, UK

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A fatal accident inquiry is to be held into the death of a car showroom manager and the Scottish Ambulance Service's response to the emergency after paramedics reportedly failed to get out their vehicle to look for the stricken man.

David McClenaghan, 57, suffered a heart attack in his office at the Kia dealership in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, on 26 August 2018.

The Park's Motor Group manager dialled 999, but when paramedics arrived they saw no sign of him and reportedly left the lot without getting out their ambulance.

Mr McClenaghan was later found by a security guard but died at the scene.

A spokesperson for the Scottish Ambulance Service said: "A full significant adverse event review (SAER) was conducted and concluded in April 2019 following this tragic incident, with all actions identified being implemented.

"We would once again like to extend our sincere condolences to the family of Mr McClenaghan."

'Serious public concern'

The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said the circumstances surrounding Mr McClenaghan's death gave rise to "serious public concern" to justify a discretionary fatal accident inquiry (FAI).

The FAI will determine the cause of death; the circumstances in which it occurred; and to establish what, if any, reasonable precautions could have been taken, and could be implemented in the future, to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances.

COPFS anticipates that the focus of the FAI will be on the "circumstances surrounding the actions and response of the Scottish Ambulance Service to the emergency".

Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature and are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.

COPFS has lodged a first notice to begin the court process for the inquiry.

A preliminary hearing will take place at Airdrie Sheriff Court on 9 September.

Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations for COPFS, said: "The Lord Advocate considers that the death of David McClenaghan occurred in circumstances giving rise to serious public concern and as such a discretionary fatal accident inquiry should be held.

"An FAI will allow a full public airing of the evidence of the procurator fiscal's wider investigations with interested parties.

"The evidence will be tested in a public setting and be the subject of an independent judicial determination."

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