Inmate saved from fentanyl overdose at Northern Branch Jail in Santa Maria

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – An inmate overdosing on fentanyl at the Northern Branch Jail in Santa Maria was saved by a WellPath nurse and deputies by using naloxone, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office.

“They entered the cell and found that the inmate was unresponsive and pale and cold," said Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Raquel Zick.

The deputies called for medical assistance, seeing as the inmate was most likely overdosing, and WellPath staff arrived within minutes to administer two rounds of naloxone nasal spray to the inmate.

“Naloxone, or Narcan, is an opioid overdose treatment. It's a reversal drug that is used to treat a suspected opioid overdose," said Zick.

The inmate remained unresponsive until a custody deputy administered a third round of naloxone, according to Zick, to which the inmate became responsive.

“The inmate did admit that they had taken fentanyl prior to being booked into the northern branch jail facility," said Zick.

An ambulance transported the inmate to an area hospital – they have since been treated and returned to custody.

The sheriff's office said that it would like to highlight this incident as an example of the danger of fentanyl use, the importance of carrying naloxone, and recognizing the signs of overdose which may include:

• Difficult to wake up
• Slowed Breathing
• Confusion
• Blue or pale lips and fingernails

If you notice these signs, the sheriff's office said to call 9-1-1 immediately and give naloxone.

For more information about fentanyl overdose, the signs of overdose, and how to get naloxone, visit: fentanylisforeversb.org.