Deschutes County Jail inmate given Narcan for apparent OD

A 21-year-old Deschutes County Jail inmate who showed signs of an opiate overdose was given two doses of Narcan and taken to the hospital for treatment, then returned to jail, sheriff’s deputies said Monday.

The unidentified man arrived Sunday to be booked into the jail, sheriff’s Sgt. Bill Bailey said.

He was initially assessed by deputies, followed by a thorough medical assessment by a corrections nurse. At the completion of the booking process, he was accepted into custody and placed in a holding cell in the booking area.

Just over two hours later, a corrections deputy was conducting a regular check on the inmate and noticed his condition was deteriorating, Bailey said.

A corrections nurse was immediately summoned and again assessed the inmate. The man’s blood pressure was very low and exhibiting symptoms of being under the influence of opiates, the sergeant said.

The corrections nurse called for emergency medical assistance and then administered two doses of Narcan to the inmate. After the second dose, the inmate immediately responded to the medication.

Bend Fire Department medics arrived and took the inmate to St. Charles Bend, where he was admitted and treated overnight and returned to the jail Monday.

Bailey said it was the sixth time this year the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has used Narcan during known or suspected drug overdoses.

Narcan(R) (naloxone HCl) nasal spray is used for the emergency treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose. Each of the agency’s patrol cars and the jail have access to Narcan for similar situations.