Librarians training to respond to opioid drug overdoses


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SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake County Library Services plans to train all of its more than 500 employees on how to respond to an opioid overdose.

A library may seem like an unlikely place for a drug overdose. And the librarian may seem like an unlikely professional to arm with Narcan, the drug that can reverse an opioid overdose. But 50 library employees have already been trained.

Librarian Bernadette LeRoy loves the diversity of patrons at the Calvin Smith Salt Lake County Library.

"(We have) a lot of people from different countries that I love that come in that are learning about citizenship," she said. Patrons include parents with kids, senior citizens and job hunters.

She started to see evidence of the community drug problem coming through the doors a couple of years ago.

"One of my jobs is to keep this a safe and welcoming environment for everybody," she explained.

So, if patrons nod off, glassy-eyed, apparently on drugs, LeRoy gently wakes them and lets them know that's not acceptable behavior.

The county library system recently decided to put Naloxone, or Narcan, in its first aid kits.

"It was something that I have been asking for for quite some time, actually," LeRoy said.

She and 50 other librarians systemwide recently received video training to administer Narcan nasal spray.

"I'm really glad that we have it because if I'm able to be in a position where I could save somebody's life, I would be happy to do that," she said.

Photo: KSL TV
Photo: KSL TV

LeRoy is also trained in first aid and certified in CPR. No one has ever overdosed in her library, but she said she's worried it could happen.

"So, the possibility was looming that at some point this is going to happen. And I would rather feel that I'm going to be able to save a life and help someone," she said.

The nasal spray is easy to use and not as tricky as giving a shot.

"Put this in the person's nose and watch for signs of revival," LeRoy explained. She said they are to also call 911.

"It makes me feel relieved. I'm glad that I have it on hand so that nobody dies on my watch," she said.

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