Connecticut State Police saved 268 lives with opioid reversal medication
HARTFORD (AP) — A 4-year-old program that provides Connecticut state troopers with training and equipment to reverse opioid overdoses is being credited with saving 268 lives.
Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy signed legislation in 2014 that created the program, modifying an existing law that allowed only licensed health care practitioners to administer Naloxone Hydrochloride, commonly known as Narcan.
The updated law authorizes anyone to administer an opioid antagonist as long as they believe in good faith the person receiving the drug is experience an overdose.
The state's Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection began requiring all state troopers to be trained to administer Narcan, in the form of a nasal spray, because police are often the first to arrive on the scene.
DESP is providing similar training to local police departments.
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