A rapid opioid overdose treatment will be provided to Western Australian police officers in a nation-leading program to help overdose victims.
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Naloxone is a quick, easy to administer, medication that temporarily reverses the effects of drugs such as heroin, oxycontin and fentanyl.
WA conducted a year-long trial involving 365 officers during 2021/22 with the nasal spray successfully used to treat 20 drug-affected people in the Perth and Bunbury regions.
More than 500 officers have been trained to administer the medication.
Police Assistant Commissioner Brad Royce said the trial had shown using Naloxone in certain circumstances could lead to improved health outcomes and, in some instances, help save lives.
"The primary role of every police officer is to protect life and this trial has shown this is another way we can achieve this in situations we are likely to come across as police officers," he said.
"The statewide rollout will also provide an extra layer of protection for officers who may be inadvertently exposed to dangerous opioids in the course of their duty."
Some opioids, such as fentanyl derivatives, can be unintentionally inhaled or absorbed through the skin, posing a significant risk of accidental exposure.
Police Minister Paul Papalia said WA would work with other states that might also consider equipping their officers with Naloxone.
Australian Associated Press
