A 29-year-old Olympia woman remains in critical condition after suffering a medical emergency while in custody at the Thurston County Jail, prompting an outside
A 29-year-old Olympia woman remains in critical condition after suffering a medical emergency while in custody at the Thurston County Jail, prompting an outside agency to investigate her care.
The woman was booked into the jail on an outstanding warrant Aug. 10, according to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office.
After her booking, she was evaluated by medical staff, who initially attributed her symptoms to narcotics withdrawal.
Over the following days, her condition deteriorated. On the evening of Aug. 13, she was transported to a local hospital for treatment and was later transferred to another medical facility for a higher level of care. She remains in critical condition.
The jail’s contracted medical provider terminated the employment of a nurse who was involved in the woman’s care, the sheriff’s office said.
Because of the seriousness of the incident, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office requested that the Mason County Sheriff’s Office conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the woman’s care and medical emergency.
“Protecting the health and well-being of those in our custody is a paramount duty of all corrections staff,” the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office said. “We take this incident seriously and are committed to ensuring the circumstances surrounding it are thoroughly and independently reviewed.”
The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office said it will fully cooperate with Mason County investigators.
