The Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, Tim Passmore, has welcomed the decision by Suffolk Constabulary to train and equip frontline officers with naloxone, a lifesaving nasal spray that can be administered safely to people experiencing a drug overdose.
Naloxone is a medication that temporarily reverses the effects of opioid drugs, including heroin, methadone, fentanyl, oxycodone, buprenorphine and morphine.
Administered via the nostril, it can provide valuable time for emergency medical treatment to be given and has been proven to save lives.
The introduction of naloxone will give officers an additional tool to intervene quickly in critical situations and potentially prevent avoidable deaths.
Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said: “I am pleased that the Chief Constable of Suffolk Constabulary has announced that the force is to introduce naloxone.
“Police officers are often among the first emergency responders to arrive at incidents involving suspected overdoses, whether during welfare checks, emergency calls or routine patrols.
“Some of the people that we are dealing with are among the most vulnerable people living in our communities.
“Having naloxone readily available to frontline patrols would allow them to take swift action when needed and provide a better chance of saving a life.”
The move comes amid continued national concern about opioid misuse and drug-related deaths.
The 2020 Independent Review of Drugs, led by Dame Carol Black, highlighted rising levels of opioid use and overdose deaths across England and Wales and recommended expanding harm reduction measures, including wider availability of naloxone.
The introduction of naloxone by Suffolk Constabulary forms part of a broader
commitment to protecting vulnerable people and ensuring officers have the equipment and training needed to respond effectively in emergency situations.