Redmond police now carry opioid overdose medication

Redmond police on Monday gained another life-saving option available to them when responding to opioid overdoses. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a chemical substance which, when applied, can counteract the effects of an opioid overdose.

Until now, Redmond officers were limited to basic first aid, while awaiting the arrival of medical personnel from Redmond Fire & Rescue.

Using Naloxone within the first few minutes of police arriving on the scene greatly increases the chances of surviving an opioid overdose.

“The Redmond Police Department is pleased to be able to provide immediate medical care, in the form of Naloxone, to those suffering an overdose,” Police Chief Dave Tarbet said in Monday’s announcement.

“Officers are in the life and safety business, and this represents our commitment to helping everyone in need,” Tarbet added.

The police department was able to purchase Naloxone after receiving grant funding from the Oregon Collation for the Responsible Use of Meds (OrCRM). The grant application and development of the program was completed by Sgt. Hank Majetich.

“The Redmond Police Department, by seeking partnerships with community members and organizations, works hard to make Redmond the safest community in Oregon,” the announcement concluded. “This is yet another example of our commitment to this vision.”