Editorial: Measures over test are fit to save lives

It probably won't come as any consolation to the family of Stephen McCarthy, but the inquest into the police officer's death has turned up a series of useful recommendations, which police need to seriously look at implementing.
Mr McCarthy, 54, died of a heart attack at Springvale Stadium in August last year, after failing a police physical competency test (PCT).
Mr McCarthy was a sergeant in the Youth Aid section in Levin, and had earlier failed to pass the test in July 2010.
Despite embarking on a three-month remedial programme to improve his fitness, Mr McCarthy re-took the PCT having only been on the programme for a month.
He collapsed shortly after the test and died despite extensive attempts to revive him.
At the inquest on Wednesday, Coroner Tim Scott recommended a raft of possible measures, including implementing a health awareness card, to be completed before the PCT, as well as an active programme within paid work time, designed to encourage overall fitness.
Mr Scott also suggested the introduction of an upper age limit where a medical would be required before the fitness test.
Coming up with these sorts of recommendations is, of course, one of the critical outcomes of the coronial inquest process.
While it does little to ease the burden of those who have lost a loved one, it can help ensure that every possible step is taken to ensure similar tragic circumstances are not repeated in the future.
Police have already said they will take the time to consider Mr Scott's recommendations.
However, they really have little other choice.
As reported in today's Chronicle, the police's acting deputy commissioner of resources, Michael Player, said a review of the PCT being carried out before Mr McCarthy's death had concluded it to be a very good tool that had stood the test of time well, and remained consistent with the demands of frontline policing.
If the PCT is doing its job in terms of testing police officers, that's all well and good.
However, Mr Scott's recommendations appear to be directed more at the prevention of people taking the PCT when their own state of fitness may put them at risk, not the PCT itself.
The measures are sensible, well-thought-out and could save lives.
They're worth a lot more than just consideration.
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