Delray Beach PD to Use Naloxone
Naloxone is a nasal mist that has been proven very effective during the current battle being waged across the country as more and more drug users turn to heroin for a cheap, easy to acquire way to get high. The implementation of this new overdose protocol can't come at a better time with 51 overdoses documented already this year and 3-4 calls currently coming in a day in Delray Beach.
Delray Beach police are ready to fight back against heroin overdoses by being the first in the county to use naloxone.
As of March 1, 2016, officers with the Delray Beach Police Department will now be armed and ready to stop as many heroin overdoses as possible thanks to the reversal antidote, Nalaxone. "Our mission is to provide public safety, and naloxone is another tool to help us do that. No officer wants to notify a family that a loved one may have died from a heroin overdose, and we have done that 10 times this year. I am thankful to Delray Beach Fire Rescue and to the Delray Beach Drug Task Force for helping make this happen," said Delray Beach Police Chief Jeff Goldman.
The community is being rocked by what are called "public-view deaths" and the level of alarm among residents is ever rising given the flow of heroin into parts of South Florida that seems nearly impossible to stem. This issue is especially upsetting given the brazen nature of many drug dealers and their desire to maximize their profits at any and all costs.
This fact isn't lost on Goldman, who said, "These dealers are scavengers. They prey on a vulnerable population...some are her trying to get healthy."
An incredibly unfortunate trend that tends to surround the heroin scene is the delayed calls for help made by witnesses of those suffering an overdose. Many of these bystanders are also participating in this risky behavior and fear the consequences that may come with requesting medical assistance for those in need. This fear has also lead naloxone to be available without a prescription at drug stores around the country.
However, there's no need to be concerned about consequences, according to Goldman. He said, "Don't worry about cleaning up drugs, don't worry about setting the scene. You're protected under the good [Samaritan] law.
So, in other words, don't hesitate to contact authorities for help should you the need arise. That's what their there for, said Goldman. "We get in this profession because we're givers. This is another tool for our officers to save lives."
