What happens when a max security inmate is unconscious in their cell?

Hi. Just a reminder that those nurses who have not worked in a correctional facility don't really know how things operate which is what she said. I don't think any nurse who has not walked into a large prison knows what to expect once you get in there...I certainly didn't, and I would bet that you didn't either. ED nurses have less safety mechanisms built in to their work (I was only in Level I ED facility for a short while before I decided that I didn't like meth'd up/coked up junkies taking a swing at me.) And pre-hospital care has even fewer safety nets, hence the emphasis on safety and securing a scene. And a nurse that is not familiar with corrections would likely think that it is more dangerous than it is.....in that we often get to know the Ad seg/close custody guys and you likely have a feel for whether they are the type to fake a loss of consciousness, and we know their chronic health problems, often a lot about their health history and if they are frequent flyers for fights, their personalities, etc. You are right...waiting for a c/o or higher IS worse than frustrating, especially if you fear they are compromised, and the guys in gray are often disdainful and not in a hurry. However, she was just speaking her concern about the securing the scene. And it is always helpful to browse the chat boards and see what the issues are in other fields of nursing...that is how we learn and become well-rounded nurses.

I don't enter until they are secured, or hand cuffed and it is deemed safe to do so... And to the first nurse responding it's not frustrating, it is for our protection. The actual details as to who needs to be present is a matter of facility policy, so refer to your policy and procedures.

You said it exactly!

Exactly my point!

Ditto
Safety first! I have seen to many inmates who have faked fainting, etc....to get out of their cells...I worked in an ER in the past & I have seen fakers there also..inmates just refine the technique...Not to say there are not "true emergencies"...But Safety is always first..

Recently had a guy that was "unconscious" in medical and nurse requsted he be uncuffed for VS, IV, etc (I wasn't there). Anway, once uncuffed he quickly took razor blades out of his mouth a got a few cuts on staff before being restrained again. I'm going with safety first, although sometimes it is hard to truly know that a situation is safe.

Wow...now THAT's interesting! Good to keep that one in mind in the future. Thanks!
Usually I only become really alarmed when their color is very bad..either pastey white or mottled/bluish/purpleish.
THEN, I'm in a hurry. Or, of course.....if they are ....uh...not breathing.....or just last week threw a PE...
etc.