For almost a year and a half, police officers in Mesquite have been equipped to protect themselves against exposure to the extremely dangerous drug fentanyl as well as quickly reverse the effects of opioids on a person suffering from an overdose with Narcan. Narcan, the trademark name for the drug nolaxone, is extremely effective at reversing the side effects of opioids which can lead to loss of consciousness and even death.
The Mesquite Police Department began issuing Narcan to officers in July of 2017. When the extremely dangerous drug, fentanyl, began emerging as a huge threat to our officers.
Mesquite Police Officers frequently come into contact with illegal drugs, and are unable to know for sure at that moment if the drug they are handling or packaging could be fentanyl. Breathing in the tiniest particles of fentanyl, or having a small amount touch the skin can cause a person to immediately stop breathing and lose consciousness. Chief Tanner recognized this growing threat and immediately ordered Narcan for the officers knowing that the quick administration of Narcan after an exposure to fentanyl can save a life.
In July of 2017, during a traffic stop, a quick thinking Mesquite police officer, observed a passenger who appeared to be overdosing on an unknown drug. The officer called for Mesquite Fire & Rescue paramedics who responded and immediately administered Narcan, probably saving the passenger’s life.
Narcan is now available for purchase by any member of the public thanks to Senate Bill 459 which, in 2017, authorized a registered pharmacy to furnish nolaxone and Narcan without a prescription. The Mesquite Police Department would like to remind those who have friends or loved ones who are at risk of a heroin or opioid overdose, that nolaxone is available for purchase at local pharmacies and that help in dealing with substance abuse issues is available 24/7 by calling the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662-HELP.
