Brunswick Co. deputies to carry life-saving drug

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — An injection that could instantly save a person overdosing on drugs will soon be in the hands of Brunswick County Deputies.

Deputies said they have a huge drug problem in the county and this is another way for them to save lives and give people a second chance.

Wednesday night Brunswick County deputies learned how to administer Naloxone, drug that experts say can stop an overdose.

Lieutenant Stephen Lanier oversees the Brunswick County Narcotics Division and he said drug use is major problem in the county.

“We have some form of heroin or heroin use on a weekly basis,” said Lanier. “Complaints or investigations that are watching people shoot up or it’s the calls that our ems or our first responders are going to are almost on a daily basis.”

While deputies continue to fight against drugs in the county, they are adding another tool to help.

“We’re getting the Naloxone in to hand out to our uniform deputies that are on the streets every day,” said Lanier.

Executive Director of the NC Harm Reduction Coalition Robert Childs says being able to administer naloxone as soon as possible when an overdose happens can save a life.

“They can reverse the drug overdose then and there at that point, to help them potentially avoid death, and them avoid potential brain damage because of respiratory damage,” said Childs.

Childs said when a person overdoses receptors to the brain are cut off that tell them to breathe, Naloxone restores that connection allowing the person to breathe. It takes just seconds to administer the drug.

“It’s incredibly easy to administer, anybody can do it with very little training,” said Childs. “They’re going to save a lot of lives and give people a second chance.”

Childs said Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office is the first law enforcement agency in the Cape Fear area that will get Naloxone, but New Hanover County is set to equip their deputies with the drug and Wilmington Police is considering it as well.

Deputies are expected to begin carrying Naloxone before Christmas.