In April 2015, the Wolf Administration announced that PSP would begin carrying the important life-saving opioid overdose reversal antidote. This is the first time Naloxone was administered by the state police since it was distributed.
“The male subject was found lying on the lawn, breathing shallowly and appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance,” said Captain Harry B. Keffer, the commanding officer for Troop B. “Troopers administered the anti-overdose drug Naloxone on scene prior to EMS arrival and the subject immediately became conscious and communicative.”
The male subject was transported to Uniontown Hospital by EMS for treatment.
Naloxone, also known by brand names “Narcan” or “Evzio,” is a prescription medicine that rapidly reverses heroin and other opioid overdoses.
Heroin and opioid overdose are the leading cause of accidental death in Pennsylvania, killing more individuals than those involved in fatal motor vehicle accidents. In 2013, approximately 2,400 Pennsylvanians died from a drug overdose.
In November 2014, Act 139 or David’s Law took effect, which made naloxone available to law enforcement, first responders, family members, friends or other persons in a position to assist an individual at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose. Physician General Dr. Rachel Levine signed a standing order in April 2015 giving law enforcement officers and firefighters the ability to access naloxone.
For more information about the Pennsylvania State Police, visit www.psp.pa.gov.