Can a county release an unconscious inmate needing emergency medical treatment to avoid statutory obligations?

The correct response is based on the legal and ethical obligations regarding the care of inmates. Inmates, regardless of their state of consciousness, are still under the jurisdiction of the correctional system, and it is the responsibility of the county or detention facility to ensure their well-being. Releasing an unconscious inmate to sidestep statutory obligations would not only violate their rights but also contravene the duty of care mandated by law.

This obligation includes providing necessary medical treatment, particularly in emergency situations where the inmate's health and life may be at risk. The law recognizes that the state has a responsibility to treat those in its custody humanely and to ensure their medical needs are met, maintaining a standard of care akin to what a civilian would receive outside of incarceration. Thus, it is not permissible for a county to simply release an unconscious inmate to evade these responsibilities, making the assertion that they can do so false.