Dartford lake rescue: Man in life-threatening condition after being pulled from Cotton Lake

3:00pm Wednesday 27th February 2013 in Dartford & Swanley news By Alan Woods

The scene at Galleon Boulevard, outside The Wharf pub. The scene at Galleon Boulevard, outside The Wharf pub.

A MENTAL health patient is fighting for his life in hospital after being pulled from Cotton Lake in Dartford.

Kent Police officers were called to Galleon Boulevard, in Crossways Business Park, shortly after 10am to reports of concern for a man swimming in the lake.

A boat was sent to rescue the man in his 30s from the freezing river before he was taken back to shore and resuscitated by paramedics in the car park of The Wharf pub.

He was then taken by to Kings College Hospital in London where he remains in a life-threatening condition.

The man is a voluntary patient at Littlebrook Hospital in Bow Arrow Lane.

South East Coast Ambulance Service were called to the scene at 10:10am and sent two ambulances, a doctor in a car and a hazardous area response team.

A spokesman said: “The patient was rescued from the lake and crews commenced resuscitation attempts.”

The scene at Galleon Boulevard, outside The Wharf pub.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed they were called to Crossways at 10:11am but handed duty over to Kent Police at 11:22am.

Two fire engines and a water unit attended the scene.

Did you see what happened?

Call the newsroom on 01689 885726 or email pictures to awoods@london.newsquest.co.uk.

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Comments(5)

mouthalmighty says...
3:46pm Wed 27 Feb 13

Oh how well he was looked after. Not. He obviously felt unwell so went to the hospital for help. This is happening all too frequently. Mental health patients do matter. The majority recover well enough to contribute positivly to the community, and look after their families again. This man was a danger to himself, sadly, but it could have easily been others. I hope he recovers well and gets the help he deserves and needs.

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handymanchris says...
3:49pm Wed 27 Feb 13

When people attend mental hospitals voluntarily, they can just discharge themselves and go.

Powers are only in place when they have been sectioned either by police, ambulance or the mental health teams.

Who do you blame in this scenario?

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mouthalmighty says...
11:40pm Wed 27 Feb 13

Then the guidelines need to be changed or interpreted differently. In addition more staff are needed so they are able to make good judgement calls instead of feeling stressed and overworked.

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handymanchris says...
9:31am Thu 28 Feb 13

Make you right on that!

Funding cuts are always on the vulnerable.

I deal with mental health people quite a lot and i don't see any support from local trusts or social services.

Its a joke!

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reasonable75 says...
7:06pm Thu 28 Feb 13

I see the poor man has died - but why was he taken to Kings College? Wonder if the outcome would have been different if he gone the shorter distance (and time) to Darent Valley

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