Fatal Accident Inquiry into Glasgow Man's Death After 40-Hour Ambulance Wait Scheduled for One Week
A Fatal Accident Inquiry into the tragic death of a Glasgow man, who allegedly waited nearly two days for an ambulance to arrive at his home during the pandemic, is expected to last around one week, as confirmed during a recent court hearing. The inquiry will scrutinise the circumstances surrounding the passing of Gerard Brown, aged 65, who died on September 8, 2021, following a fall at his residence on September 6.
Details of the Case and Court Proceedings
During a preliminary hearing held at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, Fiscal Depute Nicole Lewis outlined the anticipated timeline for the inquiry. She stated, "Although this is a discretionary inquiry, it will be relatively non-complex. We are looking at 48 hours. I do not think it will take more than a week for the actual inquiry." The Crown Office has indicated that two expert witnesses will be called to provide testimony, with representation also expected from the Scottish Ambulance Service and a medical doctor.
According to reports from The Herald, a concierge at Mr Brown's property urgently called for an ambulance after discovering him collapsed. However, paramedics did not reach the scene until approximately 40 hours later, by which time Mr Brown had already succumbed to his injuries. This delay has sparked significant public concern, prompting the Lord Advocate to authorise a discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry.
Purpose and Focus of the Inquiry
Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who oversees fatalities investigations for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, emphasised the gravity of the situation, noting, "The death of Gerard Brown occurred in circumstances giving rise to serious public concern, and as such, the Lord Advocate has decided that a discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry should be held." Unlike criminal proceedings, which aim to assign blame, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature, focusing on establishing facts and identifying preventive measures.
The primary objectives of this inquiry include:
- Determining the precise cause and circumstances of Mr Brown's death.
- Examining call handling procedures and response times by the Scottish Ambulance Service.
- Assessing whether any reasonable precautions could have been implemented to reduce the risk of similar fatalities in the future.
Next Steps and Bro Implications
Sheriff Cameron has scheduled a further preliminary hearing for April 16, 2026, to continue preparations for the full inquiry. This case highlights ongoing challenges within emergency healthcare services, particularly during the pandemic era, and underscores the critical need for efficient ambulance response systems. The findings from this inquiry could potentially lead to recommendations aimed at improving service delivery and preventing such tragic incidents from recurring, thereby addressing the serious public concerns raised by this distressing event.
