Opinion ID: 2654044
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: October 22, 2009

Text: Similarly, Stewart alleged that Officer Molly S. Cedillo refused to permit him to go to the infirmary for an oxygen treatment. Stewart contends that, consequently, an ICS was implemented and he had to receive emergency medical treatment. Yet again, Stewart filed a grievance. In his grievance complaint, Stewart stated that he attempted to get Cedillo’s attention by knocking on the glass walls. Stewart then proceeded to 3 Throughout the investigation process, Wilson has given conflicting evidence with regards to whether he heard the call signal. 4 Wilson contends that he would have immediately assisted Stewart had he recognized him. 5 Wilson is no longer employed by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. 5 Case: 13-10139 Document: 00512539463 Page: 6 Date Filed: 02/20/2014 No. 13-10139 press the emergency call button because he was beginning to suffer from an asthma attack; however, he contends Cedillo responded that he should stop pushing the emergency button. He alleges that he then began to suffer from an asthma attack. Stewart claims that Cedillo still failed to assist him. Other inmates attested that Cedillo ignored Stewart’s attempts to request her assistance. These inmates also noted that it was apparent that Stewart was having an asthma attack. Several of Stewart’s fellow inmates therefore began to knock on their doors in an attempt to get Stewart help. Corey D. Woodberry, another inmate, stated that he used the intercom to inform Cedillo of Stewart’s need to go to the infirmary. She allegedly responded that Stewart should not have pressed the call button and could wait until she finished removing the inmates in another section. Officer Tschope became aware of Stewart’s medical condition and an ICS was initiated. 6 Stewart was then transported to the infirmary for emergency treatment. Woodberry contends that Stewart was passed out when Stewart was finally permitted to go to the infirmary. In the investigation into Stewart’s grievance, Appellees provided an account of a video tape capturing the incident. According to Appellees, Stewart does not appear distressed and did not attempt to get Officer Tschope’s attention, although he could have based on the proximity between the two. Tschope reported that, while he was in the F-wing, Stewart never requested his help. Rather, it was not until he was in another section that Tschope heard knocking and so walked over to Stewart’s section to investigate. It was at this time that Stewart showed him his medical pass and Tschope had Cedillo open the door for Stewart. 6 Woodberry also claimed that, at first, Tschope instructed Cedillo to permit Stewart to leave, but she refused to do so. 6 Case: 13-10139 Document: 00512539463 Page: 7 Date Filed: 02/20/2014 No. 13-10139 Cedillo also refutes Stewart’s account of the incident. According to Cedillo, she did not ignore Stewart’s requests for assistance. She maintains that Stewart never requested her assistance and did not appear to be in medical distress. Rather, another prisoner notified her that Stewart was suffering from an asthma attack. Cedillo does acknowledge that she was aware that Stewart was prone to have asthma attacks.