In response to the alarming increase in the number of opioid-related drug overdoses, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department has begun training its officers on the use of Narcan nasal spray and has deployed 25 units, with more on the way.
Narcan is a prescription medicine that blocks the effects of opioids and reverses an overdose. If a person has taken opioids and is then given the naloxone, usually via a nasal spray, the drugs will be knocked out of the opiate receptors in the brain. It has no effect on someone who does not have the substances in their system.
"It has been an issue for the entire state," Detective Kenneth Giles tells WIOD. "It's more important that we have the tools necessary to potentially save someone's life, or give them a better chance, than to not have it."
After the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared a national opioid epidemic earlier this month, Governor Rick Scott took action for a Public Health Emergency across the state. By signing the Emergency Order, it will allow the state to immediately draw down more than $27 million in federal grant funding from the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide prevention, treatment and recovery support services.
Narcan can help even if opioids are taken with alcohol or other drugs. After being treated with Narcan, the person should begin to breathe more normally and it will become easier to wake them. The goal is to provide Fort Lauderdale police officers with a method to safely and effectively treat and reduce injuries and fatalities.
"We try to educate as well, to encourage people not to use these products," said Detective Giles. "But we want to be able to respond and ready if we need it."
Florida's Surgeon General, Dr. Celeste Philip, issued a standing order for Naloxone when the emergency was declared on May 3rd, in order to give first responders immediate action to the antidote, which must be kept climate-controlled so it will not be carried by all officers to prevent wasting supplies in the heat.
The first phase of training includes patrol supervisors, special investigations supervisors, narcotics detection canine officers, criminal investigations forensics detectives, field training officers and neighborhood action team officers. Eventually, all patrol officers will be trained.
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