The training will take place at the State Bureau of Investigation academy.

 

The two agencies are the first statewide law enforcement agencies in North Carolina to train and carry Naloxone. Naloxone takes effect within two to five minutes after it is sprayed into the person’s nose. It used to revive people who have overdosed on an opiate and who have stopped breathing. 

 

The drug is administered by a nasal atomizer attached to a syringe which creates a mist and is sprayed into the victim’s nose.  After five minutes, if there is no change in the person’s condition, a second dose can be administered, according to the Department of Public Safety.

 

Naloxone gives emergency medical personnel time to transport the victim to a hospital for medical attention.  

 

“This training will show agents the proper technique on how to recognize an overdose, how to administer Naloxone, how to treat the patient and what steps to take to get proper medical attention,” said Donnie Varnell, SBI’s special agent in charge of the Diversion and Environmental Crimes Unit. 

 

Heroin, morphine, oxycodone/OxyContin, methadone, hydrocodone/Vicodin, codeine, and other prescription pain medications are opiates.  

 

Naloxone does not prevent deaths caused by other drugs such Xanax, Klonopin and Valium, bath salts, cocaine, methamphetamine or alcohol.