Police administer anti-overdose drug two hours after training

Police officers helped to save someone’s life by administering an overdose antidote within two hours of receiving training in the use of the spray.

A police chief praised the constables’ “quick” actions after they were forced to use Naloxone for the first time in Glasgow’s east end on Tuesday night.

After using the intra-nasal spray, which helps to reverse an opioid-related drug overdose, the officers kept the man stabilised until paramedics arrived.

Assistant chief constable Gary Ritchie, head of drug strategy for Police Scotland, said: “I’m very proud of the officers last night.

“Their quick thinking, having only completed their training a few hours before, has clearly saved a life which may have otherwise been lost.

“We have since learned the patient left hospital later that same night and we have highlighted this incident to our community partners who support people living with addiction.”

The constables are participating in a six-month test of change for the carriage and use of the spray alongside other officers, sergeants and inspectors from the Greater Glasgow (east end) and Forth Valley (Falkirk) divisions.

Training began on Monday, with sessions for Tayside (Dundee City) officers expected to begin in the coming weeks.

Carrying naloxone is voluntary during the pilot.

ACC Ritchie added: “It is heartening that the vast majority of our officers who have received training have disregarded the misinformation which has been presented about naloxone from some quarters.

“Clearly operational officers recognise that naloxone is a safe, simple way to help people who may be dying from an overdose and are willing to be involved in a pilot to see how beneficial it is to have police officers carrying it more widely.

“This first administration is an early indication of the potential value that police carrying Naloxone could have in helping people who use drugs, as well as their families, friends and communities.

“However, the test of change has only just begun and we will continue to monitor and assess the value over the next six months.

“This will take place with the support of an external team of academics at Edinburgh Napier University who will independently evaluate the entire process.”