HCSO and correctional deputies credited for saving inmate's life

Humboldt County correctional deputies and medical staff are credited for saving an inmate’s life Tuesday night.

On Oct. 9, 2018, at about 11:50 p.m., a correctional deputy working in a female unit noticed an inmate starting to breathe abnormally, appearing to be in distress.

The correctional deputy called for medical staff and additional deputies to respond to her location.When medical staff arrived on scene, the inmate appeared to have stopped breathing.

Medical staff and correctional deputies began to administer life saving measures. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were requested.   While waiting for EMS to arrive, an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) was used on the inmate to establish a heart rhythm.

The inmate started to breath on her own following the use of the AED. EMS arrived on scene and stabilized the inmate. She was then transported to a local hospital for further treatment. 

Four AEDs were introduced into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility in 2017. All correctional deputies undergo yearly medical training, including training on the use of AEDs, to prepare for situations like the one that occurred Tuesday. 

There are currently 392 inmates housed in the Humboldt County Correctional Facility. Each shift has approximately 19 correctional deputies that are responsible for the care and custody of the inmates.

Correctional deputies spend an average of 12 hours per shift directly interacting with inmates. This style of direct supervision, along with their training, allows deputies to discern when inmates may be experiencing distress prior to an incident.

Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal commends the correctional deputies and medical staff involved in this incident for their quick actions and proper use of training to save a life.