Deschutes County Jail staff administer Narcan to save the life of inmate who suffered overdose while being booked

(Update: Adding video, Sgt. Wall interview)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Deschutes County Jail staff took quick, crucial steps Sunday night to save the life of an inmate who suffered a suspected drug overdose while being booked into the facility, deputies said Tuesday.

Around 9 p.m. Sunday, jail staff were alerted that an inmate had collapsed in the booking area while going through the booking process and was unresponsive, Sergeant Jason Wall said. The subject experiencing the medical emergency was recently arrested on charges of criminal conspiracy and second-degree theft. 

Deputies responded and found the subject was not breathing and did not have a pulse, Wall said, so Narcan was immediately administered. 

After the first dose of Narcan, the subject began breathing again and regained consciousness. Additional doses of Narcan were administered, and the inmate was taken St. Charles Bend for further evaluation.

"I'm proud of the quick actions taken by our teammates, which undoubtedly saved this inmate's life," said Sheriff Shane Nelson. "I work with great people, trained to respond to medical emergencies, as demonstrated by their proficiency in response to reverse the outcome of this overdose.”

This incident highlights the importance of having Narcan available in our detention facilities to address the ongoing opioid crisis, Wall said.

The subject is currently in stable condition after being treated at the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery, he said, adding that "the Sheriff's Office will continue to work closely with medical staff to ensure the health and safety of all individuals in their custody."

Wall added, "The incident highlights the ongoing fentanyl crisis in the United States, as fentanyl seizures at the U.S.-Mexico border have skyrocketed over 400% since 2019.  Addressing the fentanyl crisis remains a top priority for law enforcement officers."