Prisoners break free to help save guard after suspected heart attack

A Texas prison officer may have a group of inmates to thank for saving his life, after they managed to break out of their cell to help him when he suffered a suspected heart attack.

At least eight prisoners were locked in a room in the basement of a district court in Parker Country when their lone jailer slumped unconscious outside, WFAA reported.

"He just fell over… could have died right there," inmate Nick Kelton told the television station.

The prisoners then shouted for help, and broke through their locked door despite the risks.

"We were worried they were going to come with guns drawn on us," Kelton said.

They reportedly realised the guard did not have a pulse, and banged on doors until law enforcement officers arrived from upstairs.

Kelton said the guards initially thought there was a fight, and Parker Country Sheriff Sergeant Ryan Speegle told WFAA he was glad the inmates did not use the guard's keys or gun.

Sgt Speegle was one of the first on the scene, and returned the inmates to their room before officers started CPR and called paramedics.

The guard regained a pulse and is expected to return to work next week, WFAA reported.

Captain Mark Arnett said the prisoners likely saved the guard, who could have otherwise gone without help for up to 15 minutes during the June 23 emergency.