Dedham Police Department Reports Five Narcan Saves in Less than One Month, Since Deploying Lifesaving Drug

For Immediate Release

Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Dedham Police Department Reports Five Narcan Saves in Less than One Month, Since Deploying Lifesaving Drug

Police to Train Residents on Narcan Use

DEDHAM — Police Chief Michael J. d’Entremont reports that the Dedham Police Department has used Nasal Naloxone five times to reverse potentially fatal heroin and opioid overdoses since the police officers in town began carrying the drug last month.

The numbers, during the first month of use, have moved the Dedham Police Department and the Town of Dedham to step up its public education programs surrounding heroin and drug overdose.

Dedham Police Officer Paul Cady has personally administered Narcan twice in the past month, both times successfully bringing an addict out of a potentially fatal overdose.
“There really is no pattern. Heroin and opioids are in every community, being used by men, women, young, old, rich and poor,” Officer Cady said. “Anything we can do to prevent the loss of life in our community is a good thing.”

The numbers show that Narcan is a vital lifesaving tool that rightfully should be part of the drug abuse response protocols of not just first responders but also families and caregivers as well.

As a result, the Dedham Police Department will offer to provide training on how to properly administer Nasal Naloxone/Narcan to someone who may be overdosing for families, caregivers, clergy, and anyone else who may be dealing with someone who abuses opioids Citizens looking for such instruction are encouraged to contact Officer Jason Sullivan at 781 751-9300 or jsullivan@police.dedham-ma.gov.

“Narcan is a safe, potentially lifesaving drug, and we recognize its importance as part of a drug-fighting arsenal,” Chief d’Entremont said. “We will never arrest our way out of the nationwide heroin and opioid abuse problem, and we must take a realistic approach in responding to it.”

Narcan was first deployed in Dedham Police Cruisers on Dec. 4. Since then, three different Dedham Police Officers have administered the drug a total of five times to effective reverse the effects of an overdose.

Dedham Police also want to call attention to a little-known Good Samaritan Law in Massachusetts that provides protection from prosecution from simple drug possession violations when a companion or drug abuser calls 911 for an overdose (MGL Ch 94C s 34A). The department will conduct outreach to the community and distribute literature on the law to residents and at the police station.

Additionally, pharmacies and certain organizations can now sell and distribute nasal Naloxone without a prescription.  Those with family members suffering from substance abuse disorder which may lead to an overdose should learn more by clicking here.  Dedham Police Officers have responded to two overdose situations over the past few months where somebody present administered nasal Naloxone prior to the arrival of first responders, and it may have saved the person’s life.

Citizens can find training on how to use nasal Naloxone from Learn to Cope, the Dedham Police Department and  local pharmacist may also be able to help..

###