Naloxone administered by Police Scotland officers at more than 100 incidents

Naloxone has now been administered at more than 100 incidents by Police Scotland officers as the national roll-out of the opioid reversal nasal spray continues.

Nearly 4,000 kits have been issued so far across eight divisions to operational police constables, sergeants and inspectors, as well as officers in custody centres.

The distribution of kits across the rest of the country is due to be completed early in 2023 which will see around 12,500 officers carrying Naloxone in a high profile manner as a first aid response to potential opioid-related overdoses as part of their standard issue, day-to-day kit.

Officers the length and breadth of the country have now administered naloxone to members of the public experiencing life threatening situations which could have been linked to an opioid/opiate-related overdose.

The hundredth incident occurred less than a week before Christmas at a Glasgow hotel, when officers were first on the scene and provided emergency assistance, including administering Naloxone, to a woman in medical crisis, remaining with her until paramedic colleagues arrived and took over her care.

Officers in four areas started being trained in the carriage and use of Naloxone in March 2021 as part of a national pilot, with more than 800 officers initially choosing to carry branded pouches as part of their day-to-day equipment. The test of change, supported by the Scottish Government and other key partners, lasted for six months, with officers continuing to carry kits while an independent academic evaluation was carried out. A decision was taken in February 2022 approving the national roll-out in due course.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie (Police Scotland Head of Drug Strategy) said: “A core principle of policing is to protect and preserve life, and Naloxone empowers our officers to do exactly that. It’s an additional tool to their existing extensive first aid training, and it helps not just the person experiencing a health crisis, but also saves family and friends the heartache of mourning a loved one lost to drugs.

“I’ve spoken to the vast majority of our officers who used Naloxone during the pilot, and the common feedback is how much they welcome having Naloxone as a high profile part of their on-duty equipment. They've told me of cases where they were convinced the casualty was dead, as the person was cold and their pallor had changed, but they administered Naloxone to give the member of the public the best possible chance – and it rapidly reversed the respiratory suppression and saved their life.

“While the carriage of Naloxone by our officers is one of many public health efforts to address Scotland’s high drugs death rate, it’s also a step towards breaking the stigma of drug misuse, and improving relationships between our communities and the police. We are there to help, and I have no doubt many people across Scotland have survived the effects of a drug overdose who may otherwise not have, thanks to the quick actions of our officers. As more and more officers around Scotland add Naloxone to their kit, I have no doubt lives will continue to be saved.”

Constable Nikki Pullar is based in Forth Valley division and has administered Naloxone in the course of her duties. She said: “Our training gave me all the information I needed to have confidence carrying and using Naloxone. Seeing the nasal spray having the effect we expected it to, and the incident I was involved with having a positive outcome, really reassures me about carrying it. It’s a valuable part of our kit and I’m glad I have it to hand as I go about my duties to help people experiencing a medical emergency.”

Constable Paul Gunderson, who works in Edinburgh City division, administered Naloxone on the same day he was first issued with the nasal sprays. He said: “The kit was very easy to use, and I was relieved to have it on my belt, as the casualty involved was showing all the signs of a possible opioid-related overdose we’d been told about – pin-point pupils, clammy skin and raspy breathing. My colleague and I saw how quickly the Naloxone made a difference and we were pleased the person’s condition had vastly improved by the time an ambulance arrived on scene. I appreciate having Naloxone to hand, and am sure my colleagues feel the same as we get used to carrying it.”

As of 29 December, 2022, Police Scotland officers have attended at least 104 incidents where Naloxone has been administered. There have been positive outcomes on all but four occasions.

In three of the four incidents, officers suspected the individual was already deceased, however, they administered Naloxone to give the casualty every possible chance at recovery. In the fourth instance the individual did not regain consciousness and later died in hospital.