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FHP Troopers Issued Narcan To Help Fight Opioid Epidemic
January 18, 2018
The Florida Highway Patrol announced Wednesday it is issuing naloxone, an overdose-reversal drug commonly known by the brand name Narcan, to state troopers.
The troopers will be the latest law-enforcement officers to start using the drug, which revives overdose victims. The move comes as law-enforcement agencies and other first responders struggle to deal with the state’s opioid epidemic, which is responsible for at least 16 deaths each day in Florida.
The highway patrol “is part of a concerted, collaborative effort to combat the opioid crisis,” Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Terry Rhodes said in a prepared statement. Rhodes, whose department includes the highway patrol, said it is “critical that our members can safely perform their jobs to help prevent any unnecessary injuries or deaths in our state.”
Troopers in Broward, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Martin and Indian River counties were the first officers to receive supplies of the drug, according to a news release.
“FHP knows firsthand the seriousness of the opioid crisis and the department is taking the necessary steps to adapt our techniques and arm our troopers with the tools that will ensure the safety of the public and FHP,” Col. Gene Spaulding, director of the highway patrol, said.
The overdose reversal drug will be used to assist members of the public as well as first responders who may be accidentally exposed to potentially fatal synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl and carfentanil. Miniscule amounts of such drugs “have been determined to be fatal, and even exposure from minor skin contact” can cause serious medical issues as well as death, according to the release.
by The News Service of Florida
Comments
4 Responses to “FHP Troopers Issued Narcan To Help Fight Opioid Epidemic”
People who have any drug arrests, not just convictions, should NOT be allowed to drive. Driving is a privilege, NOT a right. Lock them up.
Good to hear! NARCAN has saved countless lives. I think all of our LEOs should carry this antidote to opioid overdoses.
There sure is a lot of difference now, than 50 plus years ago. We were issued a metal first-aid kit with band-aids, burn salve, gauze bandages, and a collapsible wire splint. We usually had a surgical tube tourniquet wrapped around our gear shift. Also, there were no EMTs, or modular ambulances. Ambulance service was provided by local funeral homes using station wagons or old hearses.
God bless, and thanks to all our LEOs and emergency responders.
Very expensive medication for a temporary solution.