Waterloo Regional Police administer first life-saving dose of naloxone

Waterloo Regional Police administered their first dose of the opioid-blocking drug naloxone this month.

On May 20th, police received a 911 call about a suspected overdose on Concession St. in Cambridge, where a 50-year-old-man was found with no vital signs.

After performing CPR, a police officer administered naloxonenasal spray.

The man was taken to Cambridge Memorial Hospital, where he made a full recovery.

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It's a scenario local police are preparing to encounter more often.

"We've obviously been following what's happening out west in our country and trying to prepare ourselves for a potential epidemic," Insp. MikeHaffnerof Waterloo Regional Police told CBC News.

Opioid overdoses are on the rise in Waterloo Region.

An online opioid tracking tool from Public Health Ontario shows 23 people in Waterloo region died from opioid use in the first six months of 2016.

The tracker shows the number of opioid-related cases seen in hospitals have been steady in Waterloo region, with a spike in 2011 and 2012. They have been risingsince 2014.

The police spent $43,000 dollars this year to equip front line officers with Narcan nasal spray, which, when used, delivers a dose of nalaxone. The spray can be usedwithout medical training.

Police may be first on the scene

Police, fire and ambulance all respond to local 911 calls, but Haffner said, insome casespolice may arrive on scene firstand having access to the drugisvital.

"Especially in our rural areas, where if an officer comes upon somebody who may be suspected of an overdose, they have the ability to administer the naloxone and potentially save their life," he said.

Haffner said, it's critical thatfriends and loved ones call 911 if they suspect an overdose. He said they should also educate and equip themselvesif they think anyone in their life may be at risk.

"Get the necessary information and training, by contacting public health, by contacting their family physician, contacting the police, he said. "And get theirown dosage of naloxone."

The federalGood Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides immunity from simple possession charges for anyone calling 911 to report an overdose.