The quick actions and lifesaving efforts of custody deputies at the Northern Branch Jail have resulted in the reversal of two inmate overdoses. A third inmaate, who was beyond resuscitation, died.
On Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 9:06 p.m., custody deputies were alerted by another inmate that their cellmate in D Unit was unresponsive. Custody deputies responded and found the unconscious inmate lying on the ground and turning blue. The deputies radioed for Wellpath medical and began lifesaving measures, including two rounds of Naloxone.
When Wellpath medical arrived, they gave the inmate two more rounds of Naloxone and continued lifesaving measures while County Fire and American Medical Response (AMR) was enroute. When AMR arrived, the inmate was conscious and was transported to an area hospital.
Hours later, at about 1:45 a.m. on Oct. 20, custody deputies were again called to D Unit for a medical emergency where they found an unconscious inmate. As they began lifesaving measures, they cleared the cell of the remaining occupants, and in the process found another unconscious inmate.
While County Fire and AMR were enroute, custody deputies administered seven rounds of Naloxone to the first inmate and performed CPR. When AMR arrived, they continued thorough livesaving measures, but were unable to revive the inmate who was pronounced dead at about 2:20 a.m.
The additional inmate was administered six doses of Naloxone by custody deputies, along with CPR. He eventually regained consciousness and was transported to an area hospital.
Although the inmate death appears to be from an apparent overdose, the Sheriff’s Office is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Sheriff/Coroner’s Office will conduct further investigation to determine the cause and manner of the man’s death.
The inmate who died is identified as Edgar Mescua Estrada, 37, also known as Edgar Estrada Amezcua, from Santa Maria.
He was arrested on May 5 by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office for 69 PC- obstructing a peace officer (felony),;273.6(a) PC- violation of a domestic violence restraining order (misdemeanor); and 11377(a) H&S- possession of a controlled substance (misdemeanor), with a felony violation of probation hold for a previous conviction of 273A(a) PC-child cruelty. He was being held without bail.
“Sadly, today’s jail overdoses and death appear to be the result of an illicit opioid, probably fentanyl, proving that this scourge upon our community and our nation extends to even the most secure area of our county,” said Sheriff Bill Brown said.
“We will be conducting full criminal and administrative investigations, and a review of our protocols to keep contraband out of our jails, but this tragedy also reinforces our need to work together as a community to address the vexing problem of opioid abuse through enhanced prevention, enforcement and treatment efforts,” Brown said.
The Sheriff’s Office points to 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
Anyone who notices these signs should call 911 immediately and give Naloxone. For more information about fentanyl overdose, the signs of overdose and how to get naloxone, visit fentanylisforeversb.org.