Medical Emergencies
Substance Use & MAT
Mental Health
Chronic Conditions
Infectious Diseases
100
True or False: Custody officers should always call medical staff immediately in a suspected medical emergency.
True
Early response is crucial to prevent serious outcomes.
100
Scenario: An inmate shows sweating, tremors, and agitation. What might this indicate?
Withdrawal from a substance
100
True or False: an officer can remove an inmate from suicide watch after 24 hours.
False, only mental health can remove an inmate from suicide watch after 24 hours.
100
What chronic conditions are inmates screened for during intake?
1. Diabetes & Heart Disease
2. Hypertension
3. Asthma
4. Seizures
5. COPD
6. Chronic Kidney Disease
7. Cancer
8. Diabetes
100
Why are Universal Precautions important in a correctional setting?
Protects staff and inmates from bloodborne pathogens.
200
True or false: an officer can start CPR
True, officers are able to provide CPR and give Narcan if trained
200
True or False: Narcan can harm someone who has not taken opioids.
False
Safe to administer in suspected overdose.
200
When is suicide risk the highest during incarceration?
First 7 days, after bad news during court, withdrawing from substances
200
What chronic condition can become a medical emergency if not treated timely?
Answer: Diabetes
Learning Point: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) can become life-threatening. Officers should watch for confusion, sweating, or loss of consciousness and notify medical immediately.
200
True or False: Eczema is contagious.
False
Chronic but not infectious. Can be uncomfortable and painful.
Triggers: Harsh soaps, scratchy clothing, stress, temperature extremes
300
Scenario: An inmate begins having a seizure in the housing unit. What is the appropriate custody response?
Clear the area, protect from injury, do not restrain, notify medical staff, document
Officers prevent harm while medical staff provide care.
300
True or False: Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is only about giving medications.
False
MAT includes medications plus counseling, behavioral therapy, peer support and discharge planning for effective treatment.
300
Scenario: An inmate threatens to harm themselves but denies intent when confronted. What is the appropriate custody action?
Treat threat seriously, notify mental health staff, monitor closelyAll threats must be treated as credible; early intervention can save lives.
300
What are key symptoms to watch for during detox?
Tremors, sweating, nausea, vomiting, agitation, hallucination, rapid heart rate, fever, dehydration, seizures
300
Which communicable disease is commonly screened for in jails?
Answer: Tuberculosis (TB)
Learning Point: TB spreads easily in confined spaces. Early detection protects inmates and staff.
We DO NOT house active TB. This means the inmate is infected and has symptoms; bacteria are multiplying and they can spread TB to others. Must be housed in a negative pressure cell that we do not have on site.
400
Name one serious complication of alcohol withdrawal.
Seizures, delirium tremens, hallucinations
400
What are steps officers and staff can take to prevent diversion during administration of MAT medication?
Hands on table
Mouth Checks
Refrain from talking
Small groups to monitor
400
Name at least one key thing officers and staff should observe during check ins for segregated inmates
Mood/behavior, physical appearance, self-harm signs, medical distress, cleanliness of cell, access to food and water
Observation allows early intervention. Between medical and mental health (3) visits a week are required to assess medical/mental health needs.
400
What is the role of custody officers in supporting chronic disease management?
Answer: Observing symptoms, ensuring adherence to medical instructions, reporting changes, supporting a safe environment
400
Name one common type of infestation custody should look for at intake.
Head lice
Most common in jails; watch for scratching or visible nits.
500
The arresting officer reports the inmate was arrested for a DUI and was involved in a car accident. The inmate was directly transported to the jail where he reports dizziness. What should the officers and medical staff do next?
Sit inmate down, notify medical, stabilize and send out for clearance.
All inmates involved in accidents and/or blunt trauma MUST be cleared before going to jail.
500
Scenario: An inmate has not been willing to leave his cell. He has been declining meals and not engaging with others. The inmate is on detox checks and has been declining to see the nurse during rounds. What should the officer and nurse to in this example?
Monitor at cell side
Inmates may be experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms.
Nurse MUST see them cell side to check in, observe for symptoms & determine next steps.
500
Why is tracking changes in mental status over time important?
Patterns show whether the inmate is improving, decompensating, or stable.
Helps determine if treatment or medication is working.
Supports decisions for safety housing, suicide watch, or competency evaluation.
Learning Tip:
Your daily notes can change the inmate’s treatment plan or court status.
500
When an inmate is unresponsive, the first thing an officer should do is _________ (1), then check for _________ (2), and call _________ (3).
ensure the area is safe
breathing / pulse
medical / emergency response
500
List examples of standard (universal precautions)
Hand Washing
Gloves
PPE
Disinfecting surfaces
Disposing of biohazards
Masks as needed