Fast action saves life at Newton County Jail

A life was saved at the Newton County Jail in Neosho, thanks to fast action by jail staff.

Newton County Sheriff Matt Stewart said an inmate at the jail lost consciousness and was not breathing.

That's when Corporal Hope Birkinsha stepped in to administer the lifesaving drug Narcan - two times - until the inmate regained consciousness and started breathing again.

The inmate was then taken to the hospital.

Sheriff Stewart said "It's evident the inmate would have suffered a fatal overdose incident had it not been for the actions of the correction officers involved, particularly Corporal Birkinsha."