Galloway Police, EMTs May Carry Heroin Antidote

Galloway Police and EMTs may become the first in Atlantic County to carry the heroin antidote Narcan, The Press of Atlantic City reports.

Police Chief Pat Moran and Ambulance Squad Chief Chuck Uhl intend to begin training on how to administer the antidote, according to the report. Galloway saw 70 heroin overdoses last year, according to the report.

Law enforcement agencies in Ocean, Cape May, Camden and Hunterdon counties have also considered carrying the antidote.

Previously only hospital staff was permitted to administer the antidote.

However, the Opioid Antidote and Overdose Prevention Act made it legal for police officers to start carrying the drug. Legislators passed the act earlier this year.

The act doesn't limit possession and administration of the antidote to police officers. It provides immunity for witnesses and drug overdose victims, and allows both healthcare professionals or pharmacists and non-healthcare professionals to dispense the antidote in emergency situations.

The average amount of time it would take a hospital employee to administer the antidote is 15 minutes, while police can administer within two to four minutes and family and friends who possess the antidote can administer it immediately.