Opinion ID: 795014
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: John McAllister

Text: 30
31 First, we consider whether McAllister was deliberately indifferent to an objectively serious medical need. In determining whether Grayson had an objectively serious medical need, absent a physician's diagnosis, we look to whether it would be obvious to a layperson that Grayson required immediate medical attention. Confronted with a calm, non-combative person sitting on a bench answering questions, a layperson would not leap to the conclusion that Grayson needed medical attention, even if he were aware that Grayson had taken methamphetamine. 32 Under step two of the deliberate indifference inquiry, McAllister was aware that Grayson was likely under the influence of methamphetamine. However, he did not know the amount of methamphetamine taken or the time that it was taken. Nor could he readily determine the degree of Grayson's intoxication, because Grayson would not answer questions about his drug use and, indeed, later refused to consent to a blood draw. Grayson's behavior at the time of the intake did not suggest a high degree of intoxication. Therefore, McAllister did not subjectively know that Grayson required medical attention and was not deliberately indifferent to Grayson's medical need. 33
34 Even assuming that McAllister's decision to override Bowles' objection to accepting Grayson amounted to a violation of Grayson's constitutional rights, we must also determine whether it would be clear to a reasonable officer that his conduct was unlawful in the situation he confronted. Though the Supreme Court has recognized that deliberate indifference to serious medical needs violates the proscription against cruel and unusual punishment, Estelle v. Gamble, 429 U.S. 97, 104, 97 S.Ct. 285, 50 L.Ed.2d 251 (1976), it would not be clear to a reasonable officer that admitting Grayson to the jail was unlawful. 35 At the time of the intake, Grayson had no obvious injuries. McAllister was unaware that he had been struck in the head or that Grayson had been concerned about exploding vehicles. His answers to questions were normal; he gave his name, address, date of birth, and social security number as requested. When asked about taking drugs, he said that he had lost his straw. He complied with the jailers and changed into a dry uniform without assistance. Again, Grayson had not been diagnosed by a physician, cf. Buckley, 133 F.3d at 1127, nor did Grayson exhibit symptoms that were obvious to a layperson. Cf. Coleman, 114 F.3d at 784. It would not be clear to a reasonable officer that it would be unlawful to accept into custody a calm, compliant inmate who answered routine questions coherently, but became evasive when asked about drug use. Therefore, McAllister is entitled to qualified immunity based on the intake.