One of the New Westminster Police Department’s shifts has revived four people in seven days with Naloxone.
The NWPD is reporting that one of its patrol watches has experienced a recent increase in the number of people revived with Naloxone. Officers on one of the watches have used the drug to save the lives of four people in the past seven days.
“We’re glad our officers located these people when they did and were able to provide lifesaving intervention,” NWPD Sgt. Andrew Leaver said in a news release. “This past week has been a reminder of how often Naloxone is used by our patrol officers, and with great success – we are thankful that all of our members have access to it.”
According to the police department, all four people who were revived with Naloxone were found in the Downtown neighbourhood. Two of the individuals in medical distress were located while police conducted proactive foot patrols.
In a news release, the police department said it works closely with BC Emergency Health Services Paramedics to ensure medical treatment is available for overdose incidents.
The New Westminster Police Department adopted the use of Naloxone in February of 2017 as a means to save lives in opioid overdose situations. The drug, which enters the body through a nasal spray, reverses the effects of opioids.
The NWPD encourages people using drugs to practise harm-reduction strategies. It states that helpful information can be found on the Fraser Health website.
The Lower Mainland Purpose Society operates a health contact centre, which includes a safe consumption site and drug testing. It is located at 40 Begbie St. in downtown New Westminster.
