Chapter 5 – Adult Custody and Security Operations

51070.3 Possible Death

• An employee discovering a possible inmate/parolee death shall immediately summon medical assistance. Pending arrival of medical assistance, the employee shall make every effort to preserve life.

• This may include first-aid, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and other life-saving measures for which the employee is trained. Life support measures shall be continued until the medical personnel arrive.

• Medical personnel will continue life saving efforts unless one or more of the following signs of death are present. If one or more sign is present, the physician will determine if patient is deceased.

  • Rigor mortis/dependent lividity.

  • Tissue decomposition.

  • Decapitation.

  • Incineration.

• Once started, CPR shall continue until:

  • Resuscitation efforts are transferred to a rescuer of equal or higher level of training.

  • The patient is determined to be deceased by an MD.

  • Effective spontaneous circulation and ventilation have been restored.

  • Emergency responders are unable to continue because of exhaustion or safety and security of the rescuer or others is jeopardized.

  • A written valid Do Not Resuscitate order is presented.

• If a medical officer is not present when the inmate dies, the medical personnel will, in addition to the above:

  • Notify the Chief Medical Executive (CME), staff medical officer, or the Medical Officer-of-the-Day (MODMedical Officer of the Day) as appropriate.

  • Notify the supervising nurse on duty, or on call.

  • Notify the senior custody officer on duty.

• A physician shall examine the patient at the earliest possible moment to determine if the patient has expired.