Nassau County Sheriff’s Office to utilize Narcan spray in opiate overdoses

Nassau County Sheriff's Office

December 12, 2017 4:52 p.m.

Nassau County Sheriff's Office has expanded its use of Narcan, an opiate overdose counteragent. Deputies will carry the lifesaving medication thanks to a grant from the Florida Sheriffs Association.

"Our firefighters have administered Narcan for years, so we recognized the importance of putting this opiate antidote in the hands of our deputies, who are often the first to arrive on scene," Sheriff Bill Leeper said.

The Florida Sheriffs Association initially provided 12 units of Narcan spray in a nasal pump applicator.

The nasal pump applicator is suitable for law enforcement and first responders who have a basic understanding of medical protocols. "What's good about this pump is if it's not an overdose won't hurt anybody," Leeper said. "It's a stop-gap measure."

Narcan also ensures the safety of deputies and canines in the event that they accidentally come in contact with the synthetic opiates fentanyl and carfentanil, Leeper said. They're often mixed with heroin or used as a substitute. "Synthetic fentanyl and particularly carfentanil in very minute doses can kill somebody," Leeper said.

NCSO responds to an average of 25 calls per month dealing with opiates, which includes overdoses and possession. "The opiate crisis is very real and very deadly," said Leeper.