An inquiry into the fatal stabbings of two Nottingham students and a caretaker has heard that one of the victims might have survived if emergency treatment had been administered more effectively at the scene.

Barnaby Webber, 19, was killed alongside Grace O’Malley-Kumar, also 19, in 2023. Both were attacked by Valdo Calocane, who was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. Ian Coates, 65, a caretaker, was fatally stabbed following the attacks on the students.

During the opening day of closing submissions, counsel to the inquiry, Rachel Langdale KC, said Mr. Webber’s death was potentially preventable. While acknowledging that first responders provided extensive and compassionate care at the scene, the inquiry heard that improvements could have been made. Experts reviewing medical records and witness statements, including Dr. Claire Park and a specialist panel, concluded that more aggressive volume resuscitation—administering fluids to restore blood circulation—might have kept Mr. Webber alive until he reached Queen’s Medical Centre. This intervention could have allowed medical staff to perform surgery promptly.

Mr. Webber reportedly went into cardiac arrest at least once and could not be revived in the ambulance en route to the hospital. Despite the emergency responders' concerted efforts, the expert panel suggested that earlier or more intensive fluid replacement could have altered the outcome.

The inquiry also examined the circumstances surrounding the other victims. Ms. O’Malley-Kumar’s injuries were described as unsurvivable by medical experts, while Mr. Coates’ death was deemed non-preventable by the attending professionals.

The investigation focuses on a series of failings identified among police, mental health services, and other public agencies. The inquiry aims to identify lessons that could prevent similar tragedies in the future. Closing submissions in the inquiry are ongoing.