Confluence Health security team saves man's life through swift action

Jesse Garcia, Jr
Confluence Health security services supervisor

Israel Huerta
Confluence Health security officer

Giovanni Mendoza
Confluence Health security officer

John Urdahl
Confluence Health security and emergency preparedness director

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WENATCHEE - A man's life was saved thanks to the diligence and quick thinking of the Confluence Health security team. The incident occurred recently just after midnight near one of the healthcare system's facilities.

Security officer Giovanni Mendoza, while monitoring camera feeds, noticed a man lying motionless in a dark area. After observing that the man's companions had left him behind and he was in an unusual position and concerned for the man's safety, Mendoza alerted his supervisor.

Night shift supervisor Jesse Garcia, Jr. and security officer Israel Huerta promptly responded to check on the man. Initially finding him cold and rigid, they moved him into the recovery position and noticed labored breathing. The team called for an ambulance and administered naloxone, a nasal spray used to treat potential overdoses. They continued to care for the man, keeping him safe and offering encouragement until emergency services arrived.

The man was intubated and given a second dose of naloxone before being rushed to the emergency room at Confluence Health Hospital Central Campus. After receiving treatment in the intensive care unit, he recovered and was discharged a few days later.

“We often deal with individuals who suffer from addiction, mental health issues, or other kind of crises,” reflected Jesse Garcia, Jr., Confluence Health security services supervisor and one of the team that responded that evening. “The night of the incident, we took action and as a result saved a man’s life. Words can’t describe how incredibly proud I am of my team that night. We take pride in our roles and do our best to represent our department to the highest of standards.”

From the vigilance of Mendoza in the security monitoring station immediately alerting the right people about his
concerns to the quick actions and training of Garcia and Huerta when they responded to recognize the situation and
respond appropriately; the Confluence Health security team ensured that no one, whether a patient, staff member, or even someone merely near the building experiencing a health crisis, was left without the support and thoughtful care that was needed.

"I'm incredibly proud, not only of their initiative, but of the compassion the team showed towards this individual,”
commented John Urdahl, security and emergency preparedness director for Confluence Health. “Not only did they
provide the right, appropriate action to the situation, but they gave him the same compassion and care that they would have to a member of their own family. This is the right thing to do and what we strive for each day, but this instance is still worthy of admiration and commendation. I am so proud of the team for the support given to this person in crisis and also thankful for their teamwork with the first responders to get the care needed to save a life."

Confluence Health, one of only two locally-led healthcare systems in Washington State, serves the largest geographic region in the state, covering over 12,000 square miles across four counties.