Officers across Scotland have potentially saved 'many lives' over the past five years using an emergency treatment that temporarily reverses the effects of an overdose.
Naloxone, which is used to treat people experiencing life-threatening situations related to opioid use, including overdoses, was first rolled out to frontline police officers on August 31, 2021.
Since then, cops have administered the life-saving medication more than 1300 times.
Funding from the Scottish Government has resulted in Police Scotland being the first force in the UK to train all officers to administer Naloxone, a simple nasal spray absorbed through the nose, temporarily blocking the effects of an opioid overdose.
Officers have used Naloxone after finding people unconscious during patrols or when they have been alerted to an overdose by a member of the public.
The medication is said to be able to buy ‘vital time’ for someone who has overdosed until medical assistance arrives to provide professional support.
To mark International Overdose Awareness Day (August 31), Police Scotland is recognising the people, families, and communities affected by drug overdose.
Chief Superintendent Joanne McEwan said: “Police Scotland recognises the pain the loss of a loved one causes and the wider harms of drugs across our communities.
“We will continue to work towards reducing drug-related deaths and making Scotland a hostile environment for those involved in criminal activity related to drugs.”
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The force works alongside healthcare partners and other agencies to reduce harm caused by substance addiction as part of a Scotland-wide approach to public health.
Alcohol and Drugs Minister Maree Todd said: “Every drug death is a tragedy and, particularly on International Overdose Awareness Day when we remember those that have died, my condolences go to anyone who has lost a loved one
“We have invested more than £4 million in significantly widening access to naloxone, including through our emergency services and community pharmacies, and remain committed to further expanding naloxone provision.
“This has become even more important due to the increasingly unpredictable drug supply and the increasing prevalence of highly dangerous synthetic opioids like nitazenes, which raise the risk of overdose, hospitalisation and death
“The work done by Police Scotland and other partners has been instrumental in saving lives, and I am grateful for the hard work of all the police officers who provide this vital frontline service.
“We will continue to ensure Police Scotland officers and emergency services continue to carry naloxone and are supported with the necessary training and guidance.”
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