Patrol investigates substance exposure at correctional center
UPDATED STORY
CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating a substance exposure at the Ross Correctional Institution (RCI) in Chillicothe. The facility is secure with no safety threat to the public.
Today at approximately 9:10 a.m., the Ross Correctional Institution reported an inmate with possible signs of a drug overdose. He was administered Narcan and transported to the hospital. The Ohio State Highway Patrol and local emergency medical services were called and responded to the prison. A total of 29 individuals were identified as potentially being exposed to the unidentified substance. A total of 28 individuals (23 correction officers, four nurses, and one inmate) were treated on scene and later transported to the hospital for evaluation. One inmate was treated on scene and was not transported.
All RCI staff are stable and some have already been discharged from the hospital.
Approximately 31 inmates who were not affected were removed from the cellblock and are located in other secure areas of the facility. A hazardous material unit is on scene and will be cleaning the affected areas of the institution. Samples of the substance have been collected so it can be tested and identified. As a precautionary measure, additional doses of Narcan have been supplied to the hospital.
The situation is stabilized with no additional reports of exposure. The situation remains under investigation by the Patrol at this time.
ORIGINAL STORY
CHILLICOTHE, Ohio – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating a substance exposure at the Ross Correction Institution, Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. The facility is secure with no safety threat to the public.
On Aug. 29, 2018 at approximately 9:10 a.m., troopers and EMS responded to Ross Correctional Institution with reports of correctional officers and inmates with possible substance exposure. Preliminary reports indicate a total of 24 individuals including correctional officers, nurses and inmates have been exposed, no fatalities. All officers, nurses and inmates are responsive and have been transported to Adena Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Several doses of Narcan were administered to victims, and an additional 300 Narcan doses are available at the facility. The contaminated cell block has been cleared, and all persons from the contaminated area have been temporarily relocated within the facility. A hazardous material decontamination team is en route for cleanup.
This incident remains under investigation.
