Edhat StaffSource: UCSB Police Department
The University of California Santa Barbara Police Department, in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Emergency Medical Services Agency (EMS) and the County Department of Public Health are pleased to announce a program to administer Naloxone for suspected opioid overdoses.
UCPD patrol personnel are trained to know when to give Naloxone to block the effects of opioids. The goal of this initiative is to save lives associated with opiate overdoses. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department has a similar program.
Opioids cause death by slowing and eventually stopping the person’s breathing. Naloxone nasal spray is an approved medication through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Naloxone works by temporarily blocking the effects of opioids, including prescription painkillers and street drugs like heroin. When administered, Naloxone, also known as Narcan, restores central nervous system functions including respirations within two to five minutes, and may prevent brain injury and death. Naloxone has no potential for abuse and has no known adverse effects on persons who are not experiencing an opioid overdose.
The Department of Public Health, EMS Agency and the UCSB Police Department engaged in a collaborative effort to develop a Naloxone program that meets the requirements outlined within the California Code of Regulations. The necessary policies and training protocols were completed and approved, with all UCPD law enforcement personnel trained in the appropriate use of Naloxone. The Naloxone kits are being issued to all UCPD personnel assigned to the patrol function.
Please direct any inquiries to Public Information Officer, Sergeant Rob Romero, at (805) 893-4063.
