Sheriff's officers now equipped with Narcan,
an opioid reversal agent |
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April 23, 2018 |
by Michael Meier
Director of Emergency Management
Public Information Officer
Boundary County, Idaho
The Boundary County Sheriff’s Office is
equipping Patrol and Detention Deputies with
Narcan Nasal Spray. The nasal spray is used to
potentially save the life of anyone experiencing
an opioid overdose. The Narcan Nasal spray and
training were made possible through a grant
offered by the Idaho Office of Drug Policy.
Opioids and Overdoses
Opioids are a class of drugs that include the
illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as
fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally
by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin®),
hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, morphine, and
many others. These drugs are chemically related
and interact with opioid receptors on nerve
cells in the body and brain.
Opioid pain relievers are generally safe when
taken for a short time and as prescribed by a
doctor, but because they produce euphoria in
addition to pain relief, they can be misused
(taken in a different way or in a larger
quantity than prescribed, or taken without a
doctor’s prescription). Regular use—even as
prescribed by a doctor—can lead to dependence
and, when misused, opioid pain relievers can
lead to overdose incidents and deaths. An opioid
overdose can possibly be reversed with Narcan
Nasal Spray.
Narcan Nasal Spray
How does it work?
· Naloxone (the generic name for Narcan)
temporarily reverses an opiate overdose by
blocking the brain’s opiate receptors,
potentially reversing some of the effects of the
opioid drug.
· The duration of the effect varies, but
typically lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. After
the opiate receptors are no longer blocked by
Naloxone, the individual may resume overdosing.
It is important to call 911, even if it appears
that the individual is no longer overdosing.
· Naloxone only temporarily reverses opiod
overdoses. |
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