Written by AARON CASTREJON | CityWatch Editor LA VERNE - La Verne Police officers have armed themselves with a weapon of a different kind, which can help prevent opioid overdoses.
La Verne officers are now carrying the anti-overdose drug Narcan, known under the generic name of Naloxone. The drug can be administered through the nose to patients found in severe distress from an apparent opioid overdose, the La Verne Police Department said. The issuance of the drug to officers was made possible through a partnership with Vital Medical Services. “La Verne Police Department personnel have been trained and equipped with the life-saving opioid antagonist Narcan. The U.S. is experiencing an opioid overdose epidemic and according to the surgeon general, each day we lose 115 Americans to an opioid overdose,” La Verne Police said. Naloxone inhibits opioids by binding to the opioid receptors in the human brain to block opioids, such as heroin, Fentanyl and prescription pain killers. Naloxone can restore normal breathing to someone experiencing an overdose. Law enforcement officers carry the prepackaged nasal spray variety for quick, needle-free use. “I commend Chief Nick Paz and every member of the La Verne Police Department for addressing this nation’s opioid epidemic and acting upon it to help save lives in their community,” said Steve Cooley, former Los Angeles County district attorney and chief executive for Vital Medical Services. |
Archives
October 2023
Categories
All
|