The Scottish Police Federation has warned officers that they will not be represented if they find themselves facing proceedings after using a life saving nasal spray.
Last week, Police Scotland proposed the trial of Naloxone, which is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid-related overdose.
READ MORE: Police propose trial of life-saving nasal spray amid Scottish drugs death crisis
The news comes as families of addicts in Glasgow are being trained on how to use the medication by paramedics.
The Police Federation is now warning officers in Scotland that they could potentially be charged with assault due to the fact they are not "trained diagnosticians".
A memo reads: "Police officers are not trained diagnosticians. The potential for allegations of assault is very real.
"Police officers are already overworked and dealing with unprecedented demand.
"Any police officer carrying and/or administrating Naloxone undermines any arguments on this. It also makes it easier for other agencies and public bodies to step back from their own responsibilities due to a belief the police will simply fill the void."
The Test of Change, which requires Force Executive approval before it can go ahead, would involve the carriage and use of Naloxone by a small number of police officers.
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