LIBERTY, NY — A quick-thinking deputy sheriff saved a woman’s life on July 11 at the Travis Building in Liberty. Deputy Sheriff Elwin Wood was on duty at the county’s Liberty complex around 11:30 a.m. when he was alerted to a woman who had passed out in an interview room.

Wood called 911 and then interviewed a family member to determine what the woman’s medical condition might be. The deputy learned that the woman, who is 49 years old and uses a wheelchair, had recently been struck by a car in Monticello. The woman’s doctor had prescribed a pain medication, which the woman had taken that morning. The woman was non-responsive with shallow breathing.

Based on his training, Wood realized that the woman may have taken too much pain medication and quickly administered an emergency dose of NARCAN from a kit that he carries with him. The woman immediately regained consciousness and was taken to Catskill Regional Medical Center by Mobile Medic Ambulance.

Sheriff Mike Schiff praised Wood’s actions and thanked the Sullivan County Public Health Division for providing the training and supplies of NARCAN that have saved the lives of several citizens over the past year.

The 49-year-old victim was not identified by the sheriff’s office due to privacy concerns.