Sussex Correctional Institution Lifesaving Recognition 1

DOC correctional officers and medical professionals recognized for saving inmate’s life

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DOC -- life saversGEORGETOWN — The Delaware Department of Correction (DOC) has recognized correctional officers and medical professionals for saving the life of a Sussex Correctional Institution (SCI) inmate who experienced a sudden life-threatening cardiac arrest earlier this year.

On August 14, 2022, a 62-year-old inmate was working in the SCI kitchen when he exhibited signs of medical distress.  Correctional Sergeant Markie Lewis was assigned to the kitchen area and activated a medical alert.  Lieutenant Greg Callaway, Lieutenant Rae Morgan, and Sergeant Joe Mears immediately responded to the alert, and together, the Officers attended to the inmate who was struggling to breathe.  Registered Nurse Kathy Moore from the SCI medical team quickly joined the response and initiated CPR.  Additional officers and facility medical staff arrived and performed CPR in rotating shifts until Georgetown EMS Emergency Medical Technicians Michael Petusky and Michael Moore arrived and continued lifesaving measures.  A pulse was restored, and the inmate could breathe independently as he was transported from the prison to an area hospital.  The inmate received specialized in-patient medical care and fully recovered.  At the time of the cardiac arrest, the inmate had served 40 years in prison.  He has since completed his prison sentence and has been transferred to a DOC community corrections facility. He receives reentry services as he prepares to return to the community.

“When their training and skills were needed in a life-threatening emergency, correctional officers, correctional medical staff, and community emergency medical first responders jumped into action and worked together to give an incarcerated person a second chance at life.  Not only did he survive and recover, but he has now been released and has a new opportunity to live a productive life.  That success is a credit to our dedicated team, and it reflects our commitment to excellence,” said Department of Correction Commissioner Monroe B. Hudson Jr.

Pictured in the attached photo:

Back row: DOC Bureau Chief of Prisons Shane Troxler, SCI Warden Scott Ceresini, LPN Carrie Wilson, EMT Michael Petusky, Lt. Rae Morgan, Lt. Greg Calloway, Sgt. Joe Mears, Sgt. Kevin Dunn, Sgt. Mark Keefer, DOC Commissioner Monroe B. Hudson Jr., DOC Deputy Commissioner Terra Taylor
Front Row: Senior Georgetown EMS Administrator Lisa Fensick, SCI Security Superintendent Major Marvella Wise, Lt. Sharon Mears, RN Kathy Moore, LPN Amanda Moss, Dr. Sheri McAfee-Garner
Not pictured but received recognition from DOC leadership: Sgt. Markie Lewis, Correctional Officer Travis Neeley, Sgt. Brandon Wilkins, Correctional Officer Blake Warnick, Sgt. Scott Smoot, RN Brittany Nunes, LPN Carrie Wilson, EMT Michael Moore

All Correctional Officers receive CPR training as part of their initial academy training and receive refresher training through the DOC Training Academy.  All Delaware prison facilities are staffed 24 hours a day by contracted medical staff who provide a wide range of medical services to the incarcerated population and operate prison infirmaries.

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