Local law enforcement is now a little better equipped to help the public in the case of an overdose.
The Saline County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) received a donation from Westside Pharmacy recently of eight doses of Narcan Nasal Spray.
Deputies have administered Narcan approximately 25 times this year, saving the lives of victims of overdose on illegal and prescription drugs. The SCSO said in a statement that Narcan was recently used to save the life of a 75-year-old man. He had a shoulder injury and accidently overdosed on his prescribed pain medication.
Narcan nasal spray contains naloxone hydrochloride, which blocks or reverses the effects of opioids like heroin, fentanyl and oxycodone. According to the SCSO, they have responded to many overdose calls in 2021.
Deputies are trained to recognize the signs of an overdose and then administer Narcan. Deputies usually find the person unresponsive with a decreased heart rate and very slow agonal breathing, and pinpointed pupils. Naloxone (Narcan) is administered by spraying it into the victim’s nostril. Deputies have found that it usually takes two doses to counteract the opioids. The victim then needs to be transported to the hospital to be watched in case they should become unresponsive and stop breathing again.
Law Enforcement Officers are also in danger of being accidently exposed to fentanyl which is a very powerful synthetic opioid. This has happened many times throughout the nation. Narcan has saved officers’ lives from this type accidental exposure.
The SCSO says they are short on Narcan and always looking for help in keeping at least two doses in every deputy’s vehicle to save lives. If you would like to help, you can see a pharmacist and purchase a dose to donate to the SCSO or another law enforcement agency in your area.
Not everyone can donate, but what you can do is talk with children and teens to make sure they understand how dangerous opioids are, and how quickly they can take your life.
Learn more facts about Narcan Nasal Spray:
Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Aug 2, 2021.
The generic name is naloxone, pronounced “nuh-LOX-own.” It’s in the antidote class of drugs.
Narcan nasal spray contains naloxone hydrochloride. Naloxone blocks or reverses the effects of opioid medication, including extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, or loss of consciousness. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic.
Narcan nasal spray is used in an emergency situation to treat a possible opioid overdose in an adult or child. Narcan should not be used in place of emergency medical care for an overdose.
Narcan is used to treat a possible opioid overdose. An opioid overdose can be fatal, and symptoms may include severe drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, slow breathing, or no breathing.
A person caring for someone can give the Narcan if they stop breathing or don’t wake up. If you keep Narcan as a precaution, you should make sure any person caring for you knows where you keep this medicine and how to use it.
You must get emergency help after giving Narcan spray. You may need to give another spray every 2 to 3 minutes until emergency help arrives.
Use Narcan nasal spray exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
This medicine may be given by a healthcare provider, emergency medical provider, or a family member or caregiver who is trained to properly give Narcan nasal spray. Narcan should be sprayed into the nose while the person is lying on his or her back.
If you are a caregiver or family member read all instructions when you first get this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Be sure you know how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose in the person you are caring for.
Overdose symptoms may include:
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- slowed breathing, or no breathing;
- very small or pinpoint pupils in the eyes;
- slow heartbeats; or
- extreme drowsiness, especially if you are unable to wake the person from sleep.
Even if you are not sure an opioid overdose has occurred, if the person is not breathing or is unresponsive, give Narcan right away and then seek emergency medical care.
Do not assume that an overdose episode has ended if symptoms improve. You must get emergency help after giving Narcan nasal spray. You may need to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on the person while you are waiting for emergency help to arrive.