Quick-thinking police officers saved the life of a man who collapsed from a suspected opioid overdose.
A man aged in his 40s from the Malton area went to the front desk of the police station on Northway, Scarborough, at 7.50pm yesterday (Monday).
He collapsed into unconsciousness. His breathing was shallow and his lips and fingers nails were discoloured – signs of an overdose from a heroin-type drug.
Thanks to the roll-out of Naloxone spray and training across the North Yorkshire Police area since April 2024, the officers were able to administer the nasal spray to revive the man before he was taken to hospital in an ambulance five minutes later for further treatment.
Naloxone effectively buys time to get further treatment by counteracting the effect of opiates.
Superintendent Rachel Wood, Senior Operational Commander for Scarborough and Ryedale, said: “Due to the training they underwent in the use of Naloxone spray, the officers were able to make a life-saving intervention which bought precious time for the paramedics to arrive and take over.
“They can be very proud of their outstanding actions in helping to save this man’s life.”
More than 320 police officer and PCSOs are trained to use Naloxone across North Yorkshire and York.
If administered within 15 minutes of an opioid overdose, it can restore normal breathing to a person if it has slowed or stopped.
So far, it has been used 37 times in the effort to reduce the harm from suspected opioid overdose.
Danny Stannard, harm reduction officer, local policing support, said: “It is pleasing to see our roll-out of Naloxone is continuing to make a real difference. I have nothing but respect for officers and staff who have put their training into practice.
“Not only does Naloxone save lives, but it also further demonstrates to the public that first and foremost, the police are here to care for everyone, including some of the most vulnerable people living within our communities.”
