Golden State Today

Santa Maria, Calif. – An inmate found unresponsive at the Northern Branch Jail has been successfully resuscitated after an apparent overdose. The incident occurred on Monday, April 15, 2024, at approximately 7:44 p.m. when a Custody Deputy discovered the inmate unresponsive in a housing cell.

The Custody Deputy immediately called for medical assistance and, with the help of WellPath healthcare staff, administered CPR and five rounds of Naloxone to the inmate before the arrival of an ambulance. The inmate regained a pulse but remained unconscious during transport to a nearby hospital. Fortunately, at the hospital, the inmate regained consciousness and is now expected to recover.

In light of this incident, the Sheriff’s Office issued a reminder to the public regarding the dangers of opioids and opioid overdose. They emphasized the importance of recognizing the signs of an opioid overdose and the accessibility of the opioid reversal drug, Narcan. The office also highlighted the availability of FREE Narcan at all Sheriff’s substations, urging individuals to be prepared for potential life-threatening opioid emergencies.

For those interested in obtaining FREE Narcan, the Sheriff’s Office provided a list of locations where the public can access the drug, including stations in Buellton, Carpinteria, Goleta, Isla Vista, Lompoc, New Cuyama, Santa Maria, and Solvang.

As the Sheriff’s Office continues its efforts to increase awareness and accessibility to Narcan, members of the public are encouraged to take advantage of these resources to combat the dangers of opioid overdose.