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NAMPA, Idaho (AP) — Police in southwest Idaho will start carrying a drug used to reverse overdoses caused by heroin and other opioid drugs.
The Nampa Police Department intends to have most officers trained by Dec. 3 on how to use Narcan, the Idaho Press-Tribune reported (http://bit.ly/2ewqpEi).
Narcan can be used by officers for emergency treatment on people suffering from a potential overdose of heroin.
"We are hearing more and more about an increase in heroin and opioid pill use nationally," Lt. Eric Skoglund said. "This is also a trend that we are seeing locally, as our narcotics unit is identifying a greater availability of this drug in the area. This drug can be very dangerous because users are not aware of the potency of certain types of opiates."
Trained medical responders remain the primary care providers. But in situations where an overdose is suspected, police also respond.
Officials say that police officers sometimes arrive on the scene first and could provide early help.
"It has been great to work with such a progressive agency as the Nampa Police Department which has taken proactive steps to protect the citizens of Nampa as well as police officers," said Kari Peterson, the Treasure Valley EMS medical director who has facilitated training for the Nampa Police Department.
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Information from: Idaho Press-Tribune, http://www.idahopress.com
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