He begged not to die': partner of man who died after being restrained by police joins calls to change mental health response
Briefly

Taite Collins recorded a distressing video of his partner, Collin Burling, pleading for help while being restrained by police, ultimately leading to Burling's cardiac arrest and subsequent death. His death sparked a critical incident investigation, with advocates highlighting systemic failures in how police and mental health systems manage distress. The New South Wales police responded to reports of a mental health episode, but many believe the situation escalated unnecessarily. Advocates and experts call for prioritizing calming individuals in distress, rather than contributing to panic through police presence.
Collins recorded video of his partner, Collin Burling, pleading for help while restrained by police, stating, 'I can't breathe' before becoming motionless.
Burling's death, a result of cardiac arrest during the police interaction, highlights systemic issues in police responses to mental health crises.
Advocates emphasize that police often escalate rather than de-escalate mental health situations, indicating severe flaws in current responses.
The police are mandated to take individuals to mental health facilities when called by paramedics, which can intensify the situation.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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