Pulaski County Sheriff's staff trained to administer 'Narcan'

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Published: Friday, 15 April 2016 20:12

Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office deputies and correctional officers participated in training Friday (April 15) on the administering of Naloxone, a tool to reverse opioid overdoses.

The ability to have this potential lifesaving tool in the hands of law enforcement is made possible through a grant from the Indiana Attorney General’s Office. The grant allows for the department to receive the training and equipment at no cost to taxpayers.

The training was provided by Overdose Lifeline, Inc. 

Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, is a tool to reverse opioid overdoses in the field and provide lifesaving assistance. Opioids cause death by slowing, and eventually stopping, a victim's breathing. When administered, Naloxone restores breathing within two to five minutes, preventing brain injury and death. Naloxone has the potential to reverse overdoses caused by opioids, which includes prescription painkillers and street drugs like heroin. 

As with many areas around the U.S. and Indiana, Pulaski County has seen an upswing in the number of heroin related overdoses and deaths over the last several years. According to the Federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, someone dies every 19 minutes from a drug overdose, and nearly three out of four prescription drug overdoses are caused by prescription pain killers.

As of this date, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office deputies will now have access to this life saving tool. All county deputies will be issued Naloxone and trained to recognize signs of opioid overdoses and administration of the medication. Deputies will have the ability to assist a person in a time of crisis, potentially save his/her life, and possibly prevent the unnecessary loss of someone’s loved one.

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office extends its thanks to the Indiana Attorney General’s Office and Overdose Lifeline, Inc.