2 Ore. Inmates Perform CPR and Save Deputy`s Life

PORTLAND, Ore. --

Two inmates helped save a sheriff's deputy's life Friday by performing CPR.

James Parker and Michael Smith were part of a Multnomah County work crew being supervised by the deputy when they stopped to help a stranded driver on North Marine Drive.

After pulling over, the deputy started to experience medical complications.

"When we looked at the deputy and saw he was already turning blue, we knew before he hit the ground. We knew something was wrong," Smith said.

Smith grabbed the cell phone of the stranded driver and dialed 911 to get help.

Parker began to perform CPR while Smith said he tried to keep the deputy calm and reassure him that help was on its way.

A sheriff's spokeswoman said the stranded driver also helped treat the deputy until paramedics arrived.

An ambulance took the deputy, a 25-year veteran with the sheriff's office, to a nearby hospital, where he was admitted to the intensive care unit. The deputy's family asked that his name not be released.

Paramedics said the inmates' quick thinking helped save the deputy.

"He's somebody's father, he's somebody's husband. He's just like us," Smith said. "I'd do it for anybody."

Smith is serving jail time for a fourth-degree assault charge and Parker is serving time for contempt of court. They said it never crossed their mind to run off when the deputy fell to the ground.

"The thought that came to my head right when it happened was (that) he needs help," Smith said.

2 Inmates Help Save Deputy's Life