Prison staffs' quick action saves inmates life

Quick action by prison staff saved the life of a Wanganui Prison inmate who had attempted to harm himself on Monday.

Acting prison manager Jan Smith said the Corrections officers who first reacted to a cell alarm discovered the prisoner in his bed looking as though he was asleep.

"However, the officers investigated further and discovered the prisoner had self-harmed and was in a life-threatening state," said Ms Smith.

The officers called for medical assistance and immediately began CPR for the prisoner. Nursing staff quickly assessed the situation and called for advanced paramedics.

"Because of the expediency of all staff, their first aid skills, adherence to procedures and professional attitudes, an incident with the potential for far more serious consequences was averted," Ms Smith said.

"While our staff are fairly modest and humble and will likely say it's just part of their jobs, this incident shows the sort of challenging situations they can face working in a prison environment.

"It was textbook in terms of the training the Corrections officers get; what was meant to happen did happen because of their superb actions," Ms Smith said.

"By being highly professional about it they saved a man's life."

The prisoner was taken to Whanganui Hospital where he underwent surgery and is now recovering.

- NZPA