ELMORE COUNTY, Idaho — The quick actions of an Elmore County Sheriff's Office deputy helped save the life of a jail inmate having a medical emergency, the sheriff's office says.
Deputy Roger Raddatz was honored Tuesday with a Lifesaving Medal.
According to the sheriff's office, the incident happened Feb. 20 when Raddatz was working in the Elmore County Jail. He was in the booking area when another deputy called out over the radio that an inmate was having a seizure.
Raddatz headed to the pod to help, and realized the man was struggling to breathe. Within minutes of his arrival, the sheriff's office says, the inmate stopped breathing entirely.
With help from another deputy, Raddatz lifted the man from his bunk bed, then began CPR. After several chest compressions, the man's eyes opened and he regained consciousness.
Raddatz stayed with the man and talked to him until EMS could get to the scene. The inmate ultimately survived, thanks to Raddatz fast response and first aid knowledge, the sheriff's office said.
"If not for Deputy Raddatz's quick reaction and ability to apply first aid to the inmate, this situation could of ended as a loss of life," the sheriff's office wrote in a Facebook post. "With Deputy Raddatz's professionalism and actions, he demonstrated the highest traditions of the Elmore County Sheriff's Office."
