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

Specialties Correctional

Published

Does a Lieutenant or Captain have to be present before the cell door is opened? When can the nurse enter?

Specializes in LTC, AL, Corrections, Home health.

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.

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Specializes in Pysch, Corrections, MedSurg.

You said it exactly!

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Specializes in Pysch, Corrections, MedSurg.

Exactly my point!

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Specializes in ER- Correctional.
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.

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..

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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.

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Specializes in Occupational health, Corrections, PACU.
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.

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We wait until given clearance by the officer to enter. it could be a 'set-up' , a crime scene...

Most of the time, by the time we reach the scene, the housing unit is secure, other inmates are 'locked down' and the officers are perorming appropriate first aid.

Security first (breathing second)

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Specializes in I have watched actors portray nurses.
We wait until given clearance by the officer to enter. it could be a 'set-up' , a crime scene...

Most of the time, by the time we reach the scene, the housing unit is secure, other inmates are 'locked down' and the officers are perorming appropriate first aid.

Security first (breathing second)

"Security first (breathing second)"

wow.. that says it all, doesn't it?

Curious... in your opinion, has such a philosophy ever cost an inmate his/her life? Or, permanent brain damage?

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Specializes in Quality Nurse Specialist, Health Coach.
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.

I agree, safety first. I work in a close custody facility with 1000 inmates. I always remind myself that they did some bad things to get there, so I try to be extra cautious. I am going to give them good nursing care, but I will always remain aware of my surroundings and follow policy and procedures for safety of myself and others.

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"Security first (breathing second)"

wow.. that says it all, doesn't it?

Curious... in your opinion, has such a philosophy ever cost an inmate his/her life? Or, permanent brain damage?

So you put your life before theirs????? What a noble nurse........I commend you. Yikes! Curious if one day your philosophy will ever cost you yours.

SABC sounds about right to me.

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Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.
"Security first (breathing second)"

wow.. that says it all, doesn't it?

Curious... in your opinion, has such a philosophy ever cost an inmate his/her life? Or, permanent brain damage?

And I think you are being pretty cavalier with SOMEONE ELSE'S life...what are you a US Senator??? I invite you to get yourself a job in high risk corrections and practice what you preach...

geesh...safety is even first for home care and hospice staff visiting in homes...

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In the facility I work at, if they are in "the bubble" or "purple tagged", the C/O would drag them out to us or go in the cell and make sure the inmate could not get at us if he was "faking". In my 2 years experience, I have only had a few guys really want to hurt a nurse. Usually they want you to help them and know that if they start being a butthole that they will not get what they want. At first, I was very timid around every inmate. Now, I just make sure I follow policy and procedure and that covers it. Just remember, NEVER turn your back on an inmate and never let them be between you and the exit.

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