Georgetown Police Implement Narcan Treatment Protocols

For Immediate Release
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Contact: Jessica Sacco
Email: jessica@jgpr.net

Georgetown Police Implement Narcan Treatment Protocols

GEORGETOWN — Police Chief Donald C. Cudmore reports the Georgetown Police Department deployed Nasal Naloxone — Narcan – in its police cruisers this week to equip officers with the tools needed to most effectively respond to drug overdoses.

Narcan is a medication that can reverse the potentially fatal effects of an opioid overdose when used immediately after recognition of an overdose. It works by displacing the drug from the receptors in the brain. It is administered through a nasal spray, making it easier and safer for first responders to use. Narcan has minimal side effects, and is not dangerous if given to a person who is not overdosing.

“We are taking a proactive approach in combating drug overdoses in our community by providing officers with Narcan,” Chief Cudmore said. “Our primary concern is always maintaining safety in town.”

The Department is working in collaboration with the Anna Jaques Hospital to implement their Narcan treatment protocols and train all officers on how to administer the medication.

Last year, more than 1,000 people died from opioid overdoses – the highest ever recorded in the history of the Commonwealth.  In Essex County, the number of overdose-related deaths rose from 120 in 2013, to 146 in 2014.

Narcan is effective against heroin and other opiates like Fentanyl, oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet) and hydrocodone (Vicodin).

“This medication will allow us to save more lives and work toward helping addicts recover,” Chief Cudmore said. “The Department is committed to doing everything it can to tackle this epidemic.”

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