Ryan J. Scudder Executive Assistant Commissioner | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agriculture Specialist at the Area Port of San Luis intervened in a medical emergency, saving the life of a young woman who appeared to be experiencing an opioid overdose. The incident took place on Tuesday, November 5, around 10:00 p.m., when CBP officers found the unconscious woman, a United States citizen, who had been brought to the San Luis I Port of Entry from Mexico for urgent medical attention.
The CBP Agriculture Specialist, also trained as a certified emergency medical technician (EMT), identified symptoms consistent with an opioid overdose in the woman, such as pinpoint pupils and difficulty breathing. Acting swiftly, the specialist administered Narcan, which revived her almost immediately.
Following this intervention, CBP personnel continued to monitor her condition until San Luis EMS arrived and transported her to a nearby medical facility for further care.
Chris Leon, Area Port Director for San Luis, commented on the situation: “Our ports of entry are extremely busy, and we have an all hands in approach in order to meet a variety of mission requirements. In this case, one of our Agriculture Specialists, who also serves as an EMT, jumped into action without hesitation to save this woman’s life.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is described as America's frontline: it is recognized as the nation's largest law enforcement organization and noted as the world's first unified border management agency. With over 65,000 members working across various terrains—on land, air, and sea—CBP aims to ensure safe travel and trade while contributing to national security through innovation and collaboration.
