Hunger Strike: Happy Ending or Health Crisis?
When a hunger striker begins eating again, their body’s electrolytes can shift and cause refeeding syndrome. Refeeding syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition affecting someone’s heart and blood sugar, and can change how their body processes glucose, protein, fat, potassium, and magnesium¹.
Bad News Kills
Headlines about detainees attempting suicide after receiving bad news in court continue to pop up in the media. Unfortunately, that information may not be communicated to the jail’s custody and health care teams.
Harm Reduction Strategies – Fentanyl Screening
Although fentanyl test strips are a reliable tool, they are not currently approved for use in jails for medical purposes. These test strips are intended to detect fentanyl in urine or in substances such as unknown powder to protect individuals from accidental exposure or overdose.
A Deadly Mix – Xylazine Special Alert
Xylazine has no known antidote, so Narcan will likely not reverse the effects. Treatment includes protecting their airway and getting them to the hospital for medication to stabilize their heart rate and blood pressure.
Gaining Popularity: Street Drug “ISO”
ISO is not detectable by using tox screen test strips and can be lethal. If a detainee arrives to the jail looking intoxicated or sick, consider getting medical clearance before booking. Letting a detainee “sleep off” symptoms of intoxication can be dangerous.