According to the Centers for Disease Controls (CDC), on average 130 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. Locally, the statistics are even more concerning. The rise of Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is much more powerful than heroin, related overdoes and Officer exposures are also rising across the United States. Narcan (naloxone) is a life-saving medication which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

Narcan kit.

Eureka Police Department personnel have begun carrying the life-saving medication Narcan. As first responders, EPD Officers often arrive first at calls for service where an opioid overdose is taking place and we now can provide life saving measures until EMS arrives. Additionally, having our personnel carrying Narcan will help protect them against an exposure to Fentanyl, which could quickly cost them their lives. On average, 4 or more EPD employees a year suffer from being stuck by a hypodermic syringe. Two officers have been stuck in just the last 30 days.

The Eureka Police Department, with approval from North Coast Emergency Medical Services and the State of California, created and implemented a training program, which corresponded with our mandated First Aid and CPR training. On March 1, 2019, Narcan Kits were issued to EPD Personnel.

“Our officers are on the frontlines of our nation’s increasingly tragic and deadly opioid epidemic. As emergency first responders, they are often first on the scene of an overdose. This training goes hand-in-hand with their CPR/First Aid training and teaches them how to recognize an opioid overdose and take life-saving action with Narcan if necessary before medical aid arrives. No less importantly, this drug may also potentially save the life of a member of our department. Accidental exposure to Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 80-100 times stronger than morphine which is often added to heroin to increase its potency), is a very real and increasing risk. This important training and the strategic placement of Narcan kits in our officers’ patrol cars and throughout the department is the right thing to do for both our community’s guardians and those they protect and serve,” said EPD Chief Steve Watson.

“Our Patrol and Special Units personnel respond multiple times a day to calls such as a ‘Man Down,’ usually with very little additional information. Now when our officers arrive on scene and they recognize an opioid emergency we can potentially save a community member’s life,” said Captain Brian Stephens. Stephens further stated, “We give our officers the tools to protect themselves against many of the dangers associated to their profession. I can sleep better at night now knowing our officers are protected against an accidental overdose of Fentanyl.”

We would like to thank EPD Detective Corrie Watson for taking on the task of being our Narcan Program Manager as well as getting our First Aid and Narcan programs approved by California’s Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T). We would also like to thank EPD Volunteer and Paramedic Kayce Hurd for conducting the trainings and the Department of Health and Human Services for providing us with training materials and support.

EPD would like to remind citizens if you believe someone is having an opioid overdose to activate Emergency Medical Services immediately by calling 911.