On Sunday, Nutley Police responded to a 911 medical call for help. It was a morning call, and when they arrived,they discovered a 48-year old man, from Hillside Ave. in Nutley,unconscious.
Patrol Officer Ted Durand was able to determine a possible overdose of prescribed medications. For the first time in Nutley, this police officer administered Intranasal Naloxone (Narcon).
Narcon is often called a life-saver for anyone who is suffering from an overdose. This powerful drug is an opiate antidote. A full description from the "stopoverdoseil" site notes:
"Opioids include heroin and prescription pain pills like morphine, codeine, oxycodone, methadone and Vicodin. When a person is overdosing on an opioid, breathing can slow down or stop and it can very hard to wake them from this state."
Since any cessation of breathing can cause brain damage or death, Narcon is considered to be a true lifesaver for many drug overdose victims.
The nasal spray is new to the Nutley Police this year.
Once the Narcon was used, the patient was taken to an area hospital for further treatment.
Nutley Chief Thomas Strumolo commended Officer Durand, for his quick actions and noted that this life saving measure is worth having. This was the first time Nutley Officers were equipped with such a tool, and Strumolo said that several towns have already saved numerous lives with Narcon.
Police Director and Mayor Alphonse Petracco said that Narcon has tremendous value.
"I am happy Nutley adopted Narcon's implementation," noted Mayor Petracco. "What used to be administered by medics and doctors can now be administered by first responders giving overdose victims a higher percentage of survival."
To see if your local police department uses Narcon, check back here soon.
West Caldwell currently has and used Narcon if necessary.
Montclair police officers are in training to use Narcon.
Caldwell police officers carry and use Narcon as well.
Other towns' usage and/or availability will be noted here today.
