A charity in Bath, Developing Health and Independence, has partnered with Avon & Somerset Police to help people affected by overdose.
Naloxone can be used when someone has overdosed | Photo © DHI
The new initiative will see local PCs and PCSOs volunteer to receive training from DHI to carry and use Naloxone, in the form of a nasal spray, to help reverse opioid overdoses they may encounter as part of their day-to-day work.
Naloxone is an emergency medication that can reverse the effects of an overdose of opioids including heroin or methadone.
It can buy someone who has overdosed time while waiting for medical professionals to arrive, however it is not intended to replace emergency support.
Ronnie Lungu, Chief Inspector for Bath and North East Somerset at Avon and Somerset Police, said: “We are wholly committed to working with all our partner agencies and organisations, to reduce the harm caused by illegal drugs in our communities.
“A significant part of this work is around identifying and disrupting the damaging and corrosive County Lines networks seeking to operate in the Bath and North East Somerset area.
“Along with other forces across the UK, we’re asking our frontline staff to volunteer to carry Naloxone spray, which is being provided free by our local drug and alcohol support agency.
“By volunteering to carry Naloxone, frontline police officers and PCSOs will be able to help save a life should they come across someone who needs immediate help, due to an opioid overdose.”
Rosie Phillips, DHI CEO added: “The Naloxone training provided by our specialist staff to local PCs and PCSOs will undoubtedly help save lives, so it’s fantastic that we are working in partnership with Avon & Somerset Police on this vital project.”
