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Officers Save Lives As A Result of Narcan Administration

By contributor,
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On Sunday August 2nd at approximately 6:00pm officers were dispatched to a possible overdose at a local convenience store. Upon arrival Officers O’Neil and Powers found a 19 year old man unconscious. Officers observed the man’s lips to be blueish and could only detect very shallow respirations. Officers administered a dosage of Narcan and the patient quickly came to consciousness. Members of the Hopkinton Fire Ambulance assumed treatment of the patient and transported the man to a local hospital.

The Hopkinton Police Department has issued Narcan to all Patrol Officers since August of 2014. These Officers have been trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of opioid overdose, as well as how to administer Narcan to victims of overdose. Each officer has been issued nasally administered Narcan upon completion of the training. Additionally, Hopkinton Police Officers are certified Emergency Medical Technicians and carry a variety of Life Saving equipment including Narcan.

This program supports department’s commitment to public safety and health. The addition of Narcan to the officers’ capabilities greatly enhances their ability to respond to opiate overdoses. Furthermore, the the Hopkinton Police Department partners with the Hopkinton Youth and Family Services to deliver education and support. If you would like any information or need support please contact Denise Hildreth @ dhildreth@hopkintonma.gov or call her at (508) 497-9781

Narcan, a brand name for the drug Naloxone, is an “opioid antagonist,” which means it displaces opioids from receptors in the brain and can immediately reverse the effects of an overdose. It has few side effects and does not cause harm if it is administered to a person who has not overdosed on opioids. It is administered nasally and does not use needles or sharps.

The Hopkinton Police Department is authorized to outfit its officers to administer Narcan under M.G.L. c. 94C and M.G.L. 258C. The department conducts this program through an affiliation with Milford Regional Hospital and under the direction of Physician, Dr. Eric Goedecke,D.O..

Officer Thomas Griffin has been instrumental in bringing this program online. He has collaborated with Milford Hospital, the Hopkinton Fire Department and Dr. Goedecke to bring this lifesaving care to the community. Since implementing this program Officers have delivered Narcan to three patients. On July 24, 2015 Officer Burchard administered Narcan to a 42 year old man and on November 21, 2014 Officer Griffin administered Narcan to a 43 year old woman. There have been several other Opiate related medicals however the administration of Narcan was not called for.

The Hopkinton Police Department also offers a drop box so that citizens can dispose of unused medications. This box is located in the lobby of the station and is accessible twenty four hours a day. Additionally, we will be hosting a drug take back day on September 26th from 10:00am to 2:00pm.