On Sunday, November 21, 2010, an inmate at the Columbia County Detention Facility attempted to harm himself. At approximately 1:00 p.m., Detention Officers responded to a cell where an inmate had attempted to asphyxiate himself. Multiple Detention Officers and supervisors immediately responded to the cell when alerted to the situation by other inmates. The Offices acted swiftly to assess the inmate and begin first aid measures. Columbia County Fire/Rescue was summoned and responded to the Detention Facility. The inmate was breathing and conscious when transported to a local medical facility.
The inmate was returned to the Detention Facility later the same day. The inmate is in protective custody and monitored closely by CCDF staff. The quick actions of the Detention Officers prevented the inmate from inflicting severe injury or death to himself. Since Sheriff Hunter restructured the staff and procedures at the Detention Facility upon taking office, the Detention Officers have continued to perform admirably. Additional training in medical first response care has once again prevented an inmate from being seriously injured and facility protocols insured that prompt medical attention was provided.
