The Vancouver Police Department will soon be making nasal Naloxone available to its front line officers and support staff, to reduce the chances of an accidental opioid overdose.

“Our front line officers and support staff are coming into contact with highly toxic opioid drugs like fentanyl on an increasing basis,” says Vancouver Police Chief Adam Palmer. “It is essential that we provide our staff with the medication that would be necessary in the event of an accidental exposure to toxic substances. There have been a number of reports where first responders in the United States have been exposed to opioids in the course of their duties. Closer to home in B.C., we have also had officers come into contact with highly toxic opioid drugs; fortunately, there have been no serious injuries or fatalities.”

Naloxone blocks or reverses the effects of opioids, such as fentanyl, including extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, or loss of consciousness, and is used to treat an overdose in an emergency situation.

For more information about the dangers of fentanyl and other opioid drugs, visit knowyoursource.ca.

For more information about how you can reduce the chances of an opioid overdose and Naloxone, visit towardtheheart.com.