Finding into death of Angelo Anthony Gioscio

55y · Male·cardiac arrest in the setting of methylamphetamine toxicity, with possible serotonin syndrome, in a man with cardiac and respiratory disease in the setting of police presence

Angelo Gioscio, aged 55, died from cardiac arrest in the setting of methylamphetamine toxicity with possible serotonin syndrome, complicated by pre-existing cardiac and respiratory disease, whilst in police presence. He had schizoaffective disorder and emphysema, was taking antidepressants and antipsychotics, and presented with excited delirium-like behaviour after a motor vehicle collision. Police appropriately identified a medical emergency, called an ambulance, communicated calmly, used minimal force to restrain him safely (placing him in recovery position), and immediately commenced CPR when he lost consciousness. The coroner found police actions professional, appropriate, and in accordance with training. No clinical errors or preventable failures were identified.