Hertfordshire Police Officers carrying naloxone spray help to save lives
The nasal spray was rolled out across the county after a six month trial
Last updated 25th Jul 2023
In recent weeks three lives have been saved by officers in Hertfordshire carrying naloxone nasal spray, bringing the total number of lives saved to six.
Naloxone temporarily reverses the effects of opiate drugs, before they seek further hospital medical treatment. It also does no harm to someone if they have not suffered a drug overdose.
The spray was rolled out county-wide after a six month trial in Dacorum, Stevenage, Watford and Welwyn Hatfield.
It was used twice last month (June), once in Cheshunt to help a woman with a history of drug use who was slipping in and out of consciousness, and a second in Croxley Green, where a man became unconscious after deliberately taking an overdose of opiate medication.
In July so far, it was used in Hemel Hempstead to help a man who was showing signs of a drug overdose.
Dacorum Chief Inspector Jason Keane, who is overseeing the project, said: “In just a few weeks officers on our frontline have been key in saving the lives of three members of the public.
“Naloxone is easy to administer and buys vital time before paramedics arrive and as demonstrated can be the difference between life and death.
“To date more than 250 officers from the constabulary have been trained in administering naloxone and this is another addition to our trauma kits to enable us to best serve the public.”
Specialist training is delivered to officers by the charity Change Grow Live (CGL) in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council.