Introduction of nasal spray to save those overdosing

We are beginning to train frontline officers to use Naloxone, a nasal spray that can help save the lives of those who have overdosed on heroin or other synthetic opioids.

Naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose by blocking the effects of other opioids. It is an opioid antagonist, meaning it attaches to opioid receptors and reverses and blocks the effects.

Officers are being invited to learn how to apply a Naloxone nasal spray so that they can intervene if they come across someone having an opioid overdose. Whilst the carrying of it will not be compulsory, we have already had hundreds of officers express an interest in receiving the training.

Naloxone is already in use in other British forces and forces across the world and is delivering really positive results. Every incident still requires our colleagues at ambulance to attend to assess the patient, but using Naloxone should bring positive results where an overdose is occurring. Where they are not overdosing on opioids, the nasal spray should have zero effect

We are working with the NHS and public health officials to ensure the training meets the required standards and hopefully the nasal sprays will be rolled out to train officers in the coming months.