Warden calls response time to Kinew James emergency 'appropriate'
Inquest hears it was 7 minutes before staff entered James' cell
The seven-minute response time to the emergency call from Kinew James before she died was "appropriate," said the warden at the time.
James, 35, died in Saskatoon's Regional Psychiatric Centre in 2013. An inquest is underway into the circumstances of her death.
The warden at the time, Shawn Bird, said seven minutes is a longer response time than usual. The inquest heard it took so long because a nurse had to wait for other staff as a security measure.
When asked about the response, Bird repeatedly referred to the need to follow national policies and regulations. When pressed by James' brother, who was acting as counsel, Bird said he thought the response was "appropriate."
Bird was asked if James would be alive today had the response time been quicker. He replied it's difficult to tell.
Earlier in the day, forensic pathologist Dr. Shaun Ladham testified. He performed the autopsy. He said there was bruising and broken bones in James' chest, but that was likely due to aggressive CPR being performed on her.
The cause of death was cardiac arrest caused by diabetic complications, he said.
Testimony is expected to wrap up Wednesday.