Kamil Iddrisu

Date of report: 6 December 2019 Ref: 2019-0416 Deceased name: Kamil Iddrisu Coroners name: Louise Hunt Coroners Area: Birmimgham and Solihull Category: Service Personnel related deaths This report is being sent to: MOD; Capita

REGULATION 28 REPORT TO PREVENT FUTURE DEATHS THIS REPORT IS BEING SENT TO: 1. Ministry of Defence 2. Capita 1 CORONER I am Mrs Louise Hunt, HM Senior Coroner for Birmingham and Solihull 2 CORONER’S LEGAL POWERS I make this report under Paragraph 7, Schedule 5, of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and regulations 28 and 29 of the Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013. 3 INVESTIGATION and INQUEST I commenced investigations into the deaths of Kamil Iddrisu and Youngson Nkhoma. 4 CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE DEATH I was made aware that Kamil Iddrisu DOB 10/02/94 and Youngson Nkhoma DOB 04/12/88 were both taking part in different military selection processes at Whittington Barracks. During their respective assessments on 17/11/19 and 27/11/19 they took part in a run during which both collapsed and were taken to Good Hope Hospital. Both were found to be suffering from metabolic acidosis, acute kidney injury and Rhabdomyolysis with each man dying on 17/11/19 and 27/11/19 respectively. Both were found to have a sickle cell trait. Both men came from abroad for the selection process Mr Iddrisu from Ghana and Mr Nkhoma from Malawi. Forensic post mortem examinations were conducted on 04/12/19. The final cause of death remains under investigation however it has been confirmed by the forensic pathologist that the most likely cause of each man’s collapse was the sickle cell trait in combination with military exercise. The forensic pathologist has advised that there is a link in the literature between sickle cell trait and deaths during military exercise. I have been advised that 3 other men have also collapsed in similar circumstances requiring intensive treatment however they did not die. As a result I am concerned that there is group of non UK candidates who are at serious risk of death or harm if further steps are not taken immediately. 5 CORONER’S CONCERNS During the course of my investigation the current evidence available gives rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows. – 1. Consideration should be given to all non UK selection candidates being screened for sickle cell trait before embarking on any selection process. A blood test can be undertaken to assess whether candidates have sickle cell trait. 2. Consideration should be given to all non UK selection candidates who have been through the process already having an urgent blood test to check whether they have sickle cell trait. If a person has sickle cell trait they are a significant increased risk of death/collapse during military exercise. 6 ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN In my opinion urgent action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you have the power to take such action. 7 YOUR RESPONSE You are under a duty to respond to this report within 56 days of the date of this report, namely by 31/01/20. I, the coroner, may extend the period. Your response must contain details of action taken or proposed to be taken, setting out the timetable for action. Otherwise you must explain why no action is proposed. 8 COPIES and PUBLICATION I have sent a copy of my report to the Chief Coroner and to the following Interested Persons. The families Staffordshire Police – Forensic Pathologist Defence Inquest Unit I am also under a duty to send the Chief Coroner a copy of your response. The Chief Coroner may publish either or both in a complete or redacted or summary form. He may send a copy of this report to any person who he believes may find it useful or of interest. You may make representations to me, the coroner, at the time of your response, about the release or the publication of your response by the Chief Coroner. 9 06/12/2019 Signature Mrs Louise Hunt HM Senior Coroner Birmingham and Solihull