DCSO, Bend PD deploy Naloxone to prevent drug overdose deaths

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Bend Police Department announced Friday they are deploying Naloxone Hydrochloride in patrol vehicles to help prevent deaths due to narcotic overdoses.

The medication is delivered to a patient suffering a severe narcotic analgesic overdose, the agencies said in a joint statement. Narcotic analgesics includes heroin, Oxycodone, Oxycontin and other opioid-related medications.

“Deschutes County has seen a significant increase in overdoses from these substances, including many that have resulted in deaths,” the departments said.

The potentially life-saving medication is delivered by intranasal atomization (spraying up the nose).

Deputies and officers received training from Deschutes County Jail medical staff and paramedics with Bend Fire and Rescue in the recognition of narcotic overdose, treatment, and after-care.

Bend police also on Friday announced the first “save” they oversaw with Naloxone use on a drug overdose patient.

Officers responded to 616 Northwest Portland Avenue shortly after 1 a.m.Thursday morning on a report of a man in “medical distress,” said Lt. Clint Burleigh.

The patient was suffering from a narcotic analgesic overdose at the time the call was made, he said. Officers arrived within seven minutes, and within three minutes of arriving, officers used Naloxone Hydrochloride, with positive results, Burleigh said. That was three minutes before Bend Fire medics arrived on scene.

The agencies stressed that use of Naloxone “does not replace medical treatment or EMS response, but is intended to provide a potentially lifesaving intervention, prior to more advanced medical treatment.”

Patients suffering from a drug overdose are provided medical evaluation and typically transported to the nearest medical facility.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office began issuing Naloxone to deputies in November. The sheriff’s office has had Naloxone available in the jail since early last fall.

The Bend Police Department was trained by Bend Fire and Rescue on May 31 through June 2 of this year. Naloxone was distributed to trained officers immediately after the training and is currently in use.

“Issues surrounding drug use in our community are significant factors in a healthy community,” the agencies said. “We take pride in working hard to help those in mental distress or struggling with drug addiction. Law enforcement and our community partners are constantly looking at improving the safety and welfare of our citizens. “