San Diego County Sheriff's Department: Deputies And Medical Staff Save Overdose Victims

Press release from San Diego County Sheriff's Department:

05/19/2021 4:15 PM

Deputies and medical staff assigned to the George Bailey Detention Facility in Otay Mesa used medication to save eight inmates from overdosing on fentanyl. 

The incident happened on Tuesday, May 18 just before 7:00 p.m. during safety checks inside a housing unit (House 1B). An inmate was found having difficulty breathing. Deputies quickly notified medical staff and administered Naloxone.  Also known as Narcan, Naloxone is nasal spray commonly used to counter decreased breathing in an opioid overdose.

As deputies were assisting this inmate, three others were found to be exhibiting the same symptoms.  Deputies and medical staff provided treatment and administered Naloxone.

Around 8:30 p.m. as deputies were searching sleeping areas for drugs and conducting interviews about the incident, another inmate was found unresponsive in another housing unit (House 1A). Deputies and medical staff immediately performed Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and administered Naloxone.  Three other inmates were found to be showing signs of being under the influence of drugs. 

All eight inmates were taken to the hospital for further treatment and later returned to the facility.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department has a comprehensive approach to keep illegal drugs from entering county jails. Our innovative strategy combines investments in equipment and technology, utilizing specialized resources and integrating investigative methods to provide a safe environment for those in our custody, as well as our staff. 

It should be noted, Sheriff's Deputies were the first in the Western United States to carry the nasal spray for overdose emergencies.

Here's a snapshot of our multi-faceted approach to keep drugs out of jails:

The Sheriff's Detention Investigations Unit is investigating the incidents. Anyone with information is urged to submit an anonymous tip by clicking here. 

Media Contact: Lieutenant Jack Reynolds
Detention Investigations Unit 
Jack.Reynolds@sdsheriff.org 

This press release was produced by San Diego County Sheriff's Department. The views expressed here are the author’s own.