Questions are being asked after a 95-year-old grandmother with dementia by tasered by NSW Police, in an incident the force described as "an interaction".
Clare Nowland is fighting for her life after being tasered while reportedly standing next to her walking frame after staff at her NSW nursing home called police, fearing she had a kitchen knife.
NSW Police confirmed she was injured during "an interaction" with officers at Yallambee Lodge near Cooma in the early hours of Wednesday morning before she was taken to hospital.
"The 95-year-old woman was taken to Cooma District Hospital where her condition is being monitored," NSW Police said in a statement on Thursday.
It's believed officers struggled to disarm her before pulling out their tasers and firing at her back and chest.
Ms Nowland, who was well known in the local community and is believed to have been at the facility for about five years, collapsed and sustained critical injuries.
Her family are reportedly maintaining a vigil at her bedside.
NSW Council for Civil Liberties president Josh Pallas said police shouldn't be using tasers on vulnerable people experiencing dementia or a mental health crisis.
"Surely, there must be more appropriate ways to deal with non-compliant people who are suffering," he said.
According to NSW Police guidelines, an officer can use a stun gun when violent resistance is occurring or is imminent or when an officer is in danger of being overpowered.
The Snowy Monaro Regional Council, which runs Yallambee Lodge, said staff had followed procedure.
"Council are supporting our staff, residents, and families during this difficult time," the council said in a statement.
NSW Police have launched a critical incident investigation to examine the responding officers' actions. The investigation will be subject to independent review.
Yallambee Lodge is a 40-bed facility designed for people who can no longer look after themselves in their own homes, according to the council's website.
