DETAINEES TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL AFTER
SUSPECTED OVERDOSES

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 24, 2023) –On Monday July 24, 2023, two female detainees were taken to the hospital after both were found unresponsive due to suspected overdoses. Both detainees did not have a pulse when detention officers began life saving measures. Staff immediately administered Narcan and began CPR. Both detainees were alert, speaking and breathing on their own when EMSA transported them to the hospital. The jail immediately began an investigation, interviewing detainees and staff and conducted searches to recover any additional contraband. During the searches, detainees were also searched using the body scanner and a female was sent to the hospital after a body scan showed what appeared to be contraband concealed within a body cavity. Investigators recovered a pill from one of the cells. It will be sent to the lab to determine its contents. “I want to publicly praise the staff at the jail for their quick response which resulted in saving the lives of the detainees and possibly preventing more because of their diligence in searches and maximizing the use of available technology,” said Brandi Garner, CEO of the Oklahoma County Jail. “I commend these officers whose actions exemplify the dedication and compassion our staff brings to the jail every day. I also extend my gratitude to the Turn Key healthcare professionals and first responders who work tirelessly to ensure the wellbeing and safety of those within our care at the jail. Over the past several months, we have taken a multi-faceted approach to contraband interdiction which has been effective at reducing drugs and other illegal items from entering the jail. To combat the fentanyl crisis, OCDC has implemented training programs to educate staff on recognizing the signs of opioid overdose and administering Narcan. Facility-wide searches, staff searches, more stringent intake protocols and other measures have greatly reduced our contraband problem. However, there is still more work to do and we are determined to confront it head on.”