Narcan nasal spray saves male in New Westminster

ON Saturday, January 23, a New Westminster Police Department officer was conducting foot patrols in the 400-block of Columbia Street when he observed a male snort something off the ground. Upon approaching this male, the member witnessed him fall backwards and lose consciousness. The male turned pale and his lips became blue.

Additional patrol members arrived on scene to assist and two doses of Narcan nasal spray were administered. Soon after the doses of Narcan nasal spray, the man began to show signs of life. Patrol members stayed with the man until he was assessed by BC Ambulance.

“We’re glad our members located this individual when they did and were able to provide lifesaving intervention,” said Sgt. Sanjay Kumar. “The Naloxone spray is used often by our patrol members, and with great success – we’re thankful that all our members have access to it.”

The New Westminster Police Department adopted the use of Narcan in February of 2017 as a means to save lives in opioid overdose situations. The drug, which enters the body through a nasal spray, reverses the effects of opioids. The NWPD said it would like to encourage people using drugs to practice harm reduction strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Helpful information can be found on the BC Centre for Disease Control website www.bccdc.ca.