Inmate critical after suicide attempt at Sedgwick County Jail

By John Wright

CREATED Aug. 29, 2012

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An inmate at the Sedgwick County Jail is listed in critical condition at the hospital after he tried to commit suicide with use of a telephone cord. 

A news release from the Sheriff Office said the incident happened about 9:54 Tuesday night, when detention staff found a 30 year-old inmate attempting suicide in a booking cell. The man was alone in a cell when he wrapped a telephone cord around his neck. The release stated these cords were previously shortened in an attempt to prevent this hazard.

It said detention staff administered first aid and quickly revived the inmate. The detention facility staff assumed care of the inmate until Sedgwick County EMS arrived and transported the inmate to a local area hospital. The inmate was booked into the detention facility on August 28th, 2012 at 8:25 p.m. The name of the inmate is being withheld until notifications can be completed to his relatives.

Since January 2011, 54 inmates have attempted suicide while in the Sedgwick County Detention Facility. There have been two suicides in the same time frame. The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office places an emphasis on inmate safety, to include annual training for detention staff members on suicide prevention, according to the news release.