AMESBURY, Massachusetts — The local police department announced they will begin the process to start carrying Narcan (naloxone) in their police cruisers.

The decision is due to the drastic increase in heroin overdoses within the city. In addition, there was a recent change in the Department of Health’s regulations, which encourages all first responders to have access to the potentially life-saving medication. Gov. Deval Patrick recently declared a “heroin emergency” within the state as well.

The police department is working closely with Amesbury EMT’s who are already carrying Narcan on their units. The project is overseen by the Amesbury Fire Department, which is the lead EMS agency for the city. According to Amesbury Fire Department Deputy Chief David Mather, the police officers will be required to follow the same Advanced Life Support (ALS) guidelines as EMS personnel.

The use of Narcan by first responders is becoming more widespread. In October 2013, Jefferson County announced its BLS units may start carrying Narcan as well. [Read the full story…]