Italian emergency chief: Doctor's timely arrival could have saved man who died in police custody

A 42-year-old Moroccan man, Abderrahim Fakir, died on July 19 in Bologna during an intervention by police. Mario Balzanelli, president of the Italian 118 emergency medical system, stated that "with great probability" Fakir "could have been saved" if a doctor had arrived promptly. Balzanelli explained that a doctor could have sedated the man, protecting him and preventing more serious consequences.

Balzanelli also criticized the police's restraint technique, calling the prone position with the subject's face and chest pressed to the ground "completely wrong" and potentially lethal. He emphasized that this position reduces air circulation in the lungs.

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With great probability Abderrahim Fakir could have been saved: faced with a state of psychomotor agitation, the doctor could have sedated the subject, for his own protection and preventing more serious consequences.

Prosecutors in Bologna are investigating the incident. They will review the Interior Ministry's guidelines on restraint techniques in similar cases. Investigators are also examining the 118 system's response, specifically why an ambulance with paramedics but no doctor was sent to the scene. The investigation is being coordinated by prosecutors Domenico Ambrosino and Francesca Arienti.

Fakir was in the area for approximately 50 minutes, from the initial call to emergency services at 11:59 AM until his death at 12:53 PM. Authorities are reconstructing his movements before the incident. Additional video footage from residents and surveillance cameras has been acquired, in addition to the widely circulated video and a bodycam recording from one of the officers.

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It is never indicated and can be lethal: it reduces air circulation in the lungs.