New Westminster – On May 29th 2020, a New Westminster police officer saw a man in a Clarkson Street doorway who appeared to be unresponsive. As the officer approached the man he saw his lips were blue, he did not appear to be breathing, and he had a very faint pulse.
The officer, who is seconded to the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit – Uniform Gang Enforcement Team, used the Naloxone he was carrying on him, in an attempt to reverse the effects of the overdose.
The officer requested assistance from New Westminster Police Department as well as BC Ambulance and New Westminster Fire and Rescue. NWPD members rushed to the scene, secured an open airway and began chest compressions, while administering additional doses of Naloxone. After two rounds of chest compressions the male regained consciousness, was assessed by BC Ambulance and New Westminster Fire and Rescue and was transported to RCH for treatment.
“The quick thinking and immediate action of our officers help saved this man’s life,” stated Staff Sergeant Stu Jette. “Having Naloxone available to our officers saved the life of someone last week, which is invaluable to the family and friends of this individual.”
The New Westminster Police Department adopted the use of Naloxone 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.
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CONTACT PERSON: Staff Sergeant Stuart Jette 165
PHONE: 604-529-2424