On 02-12-19 at approximately 8 p.m., an inmate at the Hernando County Detention Center experienced a medical emergency.
Detention deputies were alerted by another inmate that an inmate, who was previously walking around, talking, and acting normal, had just become unresponsive. Detention deputies immediately radioed medical staff and responded to the cell where the inmate was located.
The medical emergency quickly escalated to a full code – the inmate was not breathing and did not have a pulse. Detention Center staff immediately began CPR. An AED was then applied to the inmate. The AED fired twice and the inmate’s heart began beating again.
The inmate became stable enough to transport and was taken to a local hospital. Once at the hospital, the inmate was intubated (placed on a breathing machine) and admitted into the Intensive Care Unit.
The inmate, who was booked into the facility on 02-11-19, showed the presence of methamphetamine and benzodiazepines in a toxicology report. It is believed this is residual from recent and prolonged drug use, outside the facility.
Upon initial intake at the detention center, the inmate indicated regular use of IV drugs and pills.
We do not believe that any illegal substances were introduced into the facility and/or given to any inmate. The inmate remains hospitalized
