Whatcom County Jail inmates hospitalized after suspected overdoses

Four people incarcerated in Whatcom County Jail were taken to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center last week after experiencing suspected opioid overdoses.

Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) corrections deputies found three of the four inmates unresponsive or unconscious and administered naloxone, known by its brand name Narcan, on all four to reverse the effects of the overdoses, according to a WCSO news release.

Just after 1 p.m. February 7, a Whatcom County Jail corrections deputy monitoring the control panel noticed an inmate on the ground in a housing unit not moving. The deputy notified additional corrections deputies who responded to the unit. Deputies observed a male inmate who was unresponsive and exhibiting symptoms consistent with a drug overdose, according to the release. Deputies began CPR and administered a dose of naloxone, used to reverse the effects of opioids such as fentanyl. They called 911 for additional emergency medical response and transport.

Two more inmates were found in the unit unconscious and not breathing shortly after treatment began on the first inmate. Deputies immediately began administering CPR and a dose of naloxone each. 

Deputies administered a second round of naloxone to all three inmates, at which point they all regained a pulse and began to breathe on their own. First responders continued advanced medical care.

Deputies found another inmate in the unit showing signs of reduced level of consciousness and labored breathing. The inmate was treated with a dose of naloxone. All four inmates were transported to St. Joseph in Bellingham for further assessment and treatment. WCSO spokesperson Rodger Funk said in an email February 15 that all inmates had been treated and returned to the jail.

WCSO suspects an unknown quantity of opioids was smuggled into the facility and ingested by multiple offenders in the housing unit, according to the release. WCSO spokesperson Deb Slater wrote in the press release the remaining offenders in the housing unit would be monitored for overdose symptoms.

No drugs or contraband were found in the housing unit during a search conducted immediately after medical response. According to the release, WCSO has launched an investigation to determine how the drugs were smuggled in. 

A similar incident occurred in January in which several inmates notified corrections deputies of a suspected overdose. Deputies revived the inmate who made a full recovery.

“This incident highlights the clear and present danger that opioids pose to individual health and safety,” said WCSO undersheriff Doug Chadwick in the release. “The surging fentanyl epidemic and the deadly risk even a small amount poses cannot be overstated. We are fortunate that alert and highly trained corrections deputies responded quickly and took immediate lifesaving actions.”