Nurse Debra Mischloney was in the Alpena County Jail control room observing cameras for the purpose of examining behaviors of inmates who she sees on a regular basis. Nurse Deb does this on a frequent basis to ensure the truthfulness of medical requests and to validate that treatment plans are working for the individuals lodged in the jail. One day, while observing the cameras, Nurse Deb noticed an inmate in our detox cell lying on the floor. Deb immediately recognized that the inmate's position and location were highly irregular. She immediately got the attention of the corrections officer who was on the telephone in the control room and indicated that there was a potential situation happening in the detox cell. Correctional staff then responded to the cell and realized that the particular inmate had torn the collar off of his shirt and tied it tightly around his neck in the attempt of committing suicide. While the only two corrections officers assigned to the jail were assisting the inmate, Nurse Deb informed responding backup officers of the situation and location and contacted 911 to request EMS. After relaying the necessary information to 911, Nurse Deb responded to the Detox cell to assist Corrections staff, assess the inmate, and provide medical care until EMS arrived on scene. She then returned to her office and collected all medical documentation and information needed to accompany the inmate to Mid-Michigan Medical Center.
Being a nurse in a correctional facility is a very difficult profession. More often than not, the work performed by jail nurses is unappreciated by the individuals lodged in a correctional facility. Nurse Deb has been an extremely valuable asset to our operations and cares for every inmate lodged in our facility without any prejudices. If Nurse Deb was not taking the extra time to evaluate inmate behaviors in our control room, the outcome of this situation could have been less than desirable. Nurse Deb maintained her composure, provided immediate care, contacted support services, and handled herself in a way that provided comfort to the correctional staff.