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FHP troopers issued Narcan to save lives

Ohio city leader suggests medics stop responding to overdoses
Posted at 2:23 AM, Jan 18, 2018
and last updated 2018-01-18 05:10:24-05

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Florida Highway Patrol troopers are receiving Narcan in an effort to save the lives of overdose victims.

Narcan is the brand name of Naxolone, a drug that in seconds can revive an overdose victim.

"... It is important to have this antidote available to our troopers, who are often the first to arrive on scene on Florida roadways," said the FHP director, Colonel Gene S. Spaulding.

This week, troopers in Broward, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Martin and Indian River counties were the first members of FHP to be issued Narcan due to the increasing number of overdose deaths in those counties.

More troopers throughout Florida will receive Narcan by the end of February, according to an FHP news release. 

The Narcan units will assist FHP members when they encounter an overdose situation while on patrol and help protect first responders who may be accidentally exposed and overcome by the effects of dangerous opioids.

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