Nasal spray to save those overdosing introduced

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With the help of health and local authority partners, we have started to equip 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 temporarily 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.

With the support of the Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, Staffordshire County Council, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the Community Drug and Alcohol Service (CDAS) we are training officers on how to use the 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.

T/Detective Superintendent Phil Bryan, who is leading on the introduction of Naloxone in Staffordshire, said: “With this new capability, officers will help to save more lives. Naloxone is already in use in other British police forces and forces across the world and is delivering really positive results. We have already had hundreds of officers sign up for the training and as we see examples of Naloxone being used, I am sure even more will choose to carry it.”

To carry Naloxone an officer must complete training that is delivered by qualified medical professionals. Once trained the officer is then allowed to use the nasal spray on someone they believe is having an opioid overdose. If the person is not having an opioid overdose, it should have zero effect. The officer will call for an ambulance before Naloxone has been applied.

Steve Griffiths, who experienced challenges with drugs for 30 years, now works for CDAS as a team leader and is a passionate advocate of Naloxone.

Steve explains: “I overdosed when I was using substances. This was before Naloxone was given out by services, and I also lost people I know. The more people who carry and know how to use Naloxone, the more we can help prevent people dying from overdoses.

“Evidence shows that people who have previously overdosed are more likely to die from an overdose. Staffordshire Police carrying Naloxone will help to keep the teams and local communities safe, and reduce drug-related deaths in the region.

“Training and getting more Naloxone out onto the streets is vital. It allows the police to have the ability to respond to and treat overdose in those vital minutes before an ambulance crew can arrive. For people exposed to opioids who overdose, Naloxone can be the difference between life and death.”

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams is chair of the Drug & Alcohol Partnership. He said: “I am pleased to see that frontline officers in Staffordshire now have the option to carry Naloxone as part of their toolkit, alongside the essential training they need to administer this life-saving spray.

“Every death from opiates is potentially preventable if the right action is taken quickly enough. The use of this spray could be an important first step in securing the treatment and support substance users need to live drug-free lives.”

Paul Weaver, service Manager for STaRS, the drug and alcohol treatment service in Staffordshire, said: "We are proud to be part of this initiative that supplies police officers — often the first responders in emergencies — with life-saving medication. Overdose deaths can be prevented; no one should have to experience the heartbreak of losing parents, children or siblings. This project seeks to deliver essential knowledge and medication which helps to combat stigma and ultimately save lives.

“If you know someone who needs support with their substance use, help is out there to turn their life around. Contact Staffordshire Treatment and Recovery System (STaRS) online at www.staffstars.org to find out more.”