Earthcore founder’s death sparks warning on physical restraint

Changes to how bar staff handle patrons’ mental health or drug episodes have been urged after a music festival founder died in a crazed altercation.

Spiro Boursinos died at a bar in Elsternwick.

Greater awareness about the dangers of restraining unruly patrons has been recommended in the wake of a deadly episode involving dance festival founder Spiro Boursinos at an Elsternwick bar.

Coroner Jacqui Hawkins wants bar operators and staff trained to recognise and safely manage patrons having a mental health or drug-related episode.

It would also include information about the dangers and risks associated with physical restraints.

Mr Boursinos, who started the Earthcore bush doof festival, died amid a crazed altercation with staff and patrons at Antique Bar early on October 20, 2018.

Spiro Boursinos.

The venue’s owner, a bar tender and patron wrestled the 45-year-old to the ground before police arrested and handcuffed him.

But Mr Boursinos stopped breathing and couldn’t be revived.

Ms Hawkins in a finding released on Tuesday said staff who restrained Mr Boursinos were left vulnerable as they did not have skills to safely stop him from hurting himself or others.

While security guards and crowd controllers are required to undertake training in conflict resolution, safe restraining holds and risks of physical restraint, bartenders are not.

“It is clear to me that Mr Boursinos was not threatening any person in particular and did not intend to harm anyone. His actions were caused by fear and paranoia,’’ Ms Hawkins wrote.

“However, his behaviour was deeply concerning to those in his presence including the owner of the Antique Bar ... the bar attendant ... and the patron.

“I find their intention was not to hurt him but to restrain him until police arrived.

“(They) were in a vulnerable position and did not have the sufficient skills and knowledge to manage someone who was having a mental health episode.

“They were also unaware of the risks and dangers associated with physically restraining someone.”

Ms Hawkins found Mr Boursinos died while being restrained during a drug-induced psychotic episode, having consumed cocaine and while also suffering coronary artery disease.

Police and emergency services at the scene where Mr Boursinos died in Elsternwick. Picture: Ian Currie

She recommended the Justice and Community Safety Department amend responsible service of alcohol training to include information on how to recognise and manage a person suffering a mental health or drug-related episode as well as the dangers and risks associated with physical restraints.

It was suggested the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation produce a safety guide for licensed bar owners on these issues.

Ms Hawkins found police were “clearly aware” of the risks associated with positional asphyxia and their actions in providing medical assistance were appropriate once it was clear Mr Boursinos had ceased breathing.

The Coroner was unable to determine whether the incident would have a different outcome if

Mr Boursinos — who also used the name Spiro Boursine — got medical attention earlier.

[e-mail]