Local Law Enforcement Officers Trained in Administering Naloxone

Local law enforcement officers took part in training recently on the proper use of administering Naloxone (Narcan)
Participating were members of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, Alexandria Police Department, and the Smithville Police Department.
Naloxone has been proven to be an extremely effective medication that stops opioid overdoses and saves lives. The training was given by Tommy and Suzanne Angel, Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists for the State of TN Region 3 North.
Narcan Nasal Spray is recommended for the emergency treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose.
“Narcan is a medication used to block the affects of opioids, especially in overdoses. It can be sprayed into the nose of a person who has overdosed and it usually takes about two minutes to work,” said Sheriff Patrick Ray. “After administering Narcan to someone who has overdosed, the person will regain consciousness and at times might be aggressive. We have been told that it may take two or more times of administering Narcan to someone who has overdosed on fentanyl before we can revive them.”
Sheriff Ray said his department recently received a grant to pay for training and kits with a supply of Narcan.
“I applied for a grant for the purchase of Narcan for the sheriff’s department and jail. We hope to have at least two units of Narcan per patrol car and two units of Narcan in every first aid kit in the jail. This grant will provide Narcan to us for free as well as refills until the available grant funds are exhausted.” he said.
In 2015, 1,451 Tennesseans died from opioid overdoses. The data for 2017 will likely be higher. This epidemic affects everyone. If you or someone you know is in active addiction help is available. Recovery is real! There are more than 25 million people in long-term recovery, and there are many pathways to get there. For Help call the TN Redline 24/7 to get started at 1-800-889-9789.
“With the introduction of Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid pain reliever that is 50 times more powerful than heroin with a fatal dose being just the size of a grain of sand, we are thankful to have our law enforcement personnel trained and in the near future carrying Naloxone”, said Lisa Cripps, DeKalb Prevention Coordinator.