Derbyshire Police to start using life-saving nasal spray
Naloxone helps reverse the effects of an opiod overdose
Last updated 20th Jun 2024
Derbyshire Police officers are being given a life-saving drug to use in an emergency.
Volunteers are being trained in how to use the nasal spray Naloxone, which reverses the effects of an opiod overdose.
The drug is safe and easy to use and officers who volunteer to carry it will be trained to do so. It will first be rolled out to officers in Response and Safer Neighbourhood Teams.
Derbyshire Constabulary is one of 29 forces encouraging officers to carry Naloxone.
So far, 330 officers have been trained and issued with Naloxone, with almost all those who are eligible choosing to do so.
Assistant Chief Constable Michelle Shooter said:
“Policing is ultimately about keeping people safe and our jobs make us uniquely placed to help in many situations.
“We are often first responder on the scene in an emergency and we know that every second counts - so this is another form of first aid which we can give until the right help arrives. It’s fantastic that so many officers have volunteered to add this simple spray to their life-saving kit, to use at incidents where the police are needed.
“Unfortunately, just like our partner organisations, we see the devastating effects opioids can have on our communities. If carrying this spray can give someone a second chance, that is something we welcome with open arms.”