Effective Use of Naloxone by Law Enforcement in Response to Multiple Opioid Overdoses

OBJECTIVE: Growing rates of opioid abuse and overdose throughout the nation have lead some community organizations to develop naloxone administration programs. METHODS: In Pitt County North Carolina, two of our law enforcement agencies were trained in the identification of opioid overdose and use of naloxone therapy. RESULTS: Attributed partially to introduction of fentanyl into the illicit drug market, our community experienced a 48-hour period in which officers successfully deployed five doses of antagonist medication to four individuals. CONCLUSION: This article presents case descriptions demonstrating the feasibility and safety of law enforcement naloxone programs.