FridayOL

A grieving partner is speaking out after the tragic death of her 45-year-old partner, Collin Burling, following an incident involving police during a mental health call-out in Waterloo, Sydney. The incident has sparked renewed debate about the handling of mental health crises by emergency services and the potential for tragic outcomes.

Emergency services were called to a welfare check at a property in Waterloo on Tuesday. According to his partner, Collin was experiencing a severe mental health episode and was desperately seeking help. She alleges that Collin was “begging for life” when police arrived, a harrowing statement that paints a picture of the distress he was in.

Details surrounding the interaction between Collin and the police remain unclear, with investigations currently underway. New South Wales Police have confirmed they responded to a welfare call and that Collin was transported to St Vincent’s Hospital, where he later died. A critical incident team has been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death, a standard procedure in such cases.

The partner, who wishes to remain anonymous, has expressed immense grief and frustration, questioning whether the situation could have been handled differently. She believes that a more compassionate and de-escalation-focused approach might have prevented the tragic outcome. “He needed help, not confrontation,” she stated in a recent interview with local media.

This incident highlights a growing concern within the community regarding the training and resources available to police officers when dealing with individuals experiencing mental health crises. While police are often the first responders in these situations, they may not always possess the specialized skills required to effectively manage complex mental health conditions. Calls for increased mental health training for police officers, as well as the availability of dedicated mental health crisis response teams, are gaining momentum.

Experts in mental health advocacy are urging for a shift in approach, advocating for a system where mental health professionals are the primary responders to welfare calls involving individuals in distress. This would ensure that those experiencing mental health crises receive the appropriate care and support from trained professionals, minimizing the risk of escalation and potential harm.

The investigation into Collin Burling’s death is ongoing, and authorities are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness, the need for improved crisis response systems, and the devastating consequences that can occur when these systems fail. The community is left grappling with the heartbreaking loss and demanding answers about what went wrong and how similar tragedies can be prevented in the future. Support services for those struggling with mental health are listed at the end of this article.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out for help. Here are some resources:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467