On March 21st, 2016, area law enforcement gathered to train and supply officers countywide with Naloxone. The ability to have this potential lifesaving tool in the hands of law enforcement is due to financial assistance provided by Acuity along with training by the Aurora Medical Center.
Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, is a tool to reverse opioid overdoses in the field and provide lifesaving assistance. Opioids cause death by slowing, and eventually stopping, the person’s breathing. When administered, Naloxone restores breathing within two to five minutes, preventing brain injury and death. Naloxone has the potential to reverse overdoses caused by opioids, which includes prescription painkillers and street drugs like heroin.
Area law enforcement plan to train approximately 185 officers and have the supplies located in approximately 70 patrol vehicles.
“One of the goals since receiving funds from the Acuity Foundation is to provide lifesaving assistance on scene of an overdose”, stated Capt. Veeser, “being able to assist a person in a time of crisis, potentially save their life, and then steer them towards treatment prevents the unnecessary loss of someone’s loved one”.
Law enforcement is working to complete training over the next several weeks.
