San Bruno Police To Carry Narcan Kits

SAN BRUNO, CA — San Bruno police will soon carry Naloxone Hydrochloride, commonly called Narcan, to help treat opioid overdoses.

Narcan kits will be issued to all sworn officers in the department within the next few weeks pending completion of training, according to the San Bruno Police Department. The kits' use by police officers is intended as a "critical bridge" of care until paramedics arrive to begin treatment, Lt. Troy Fry said.

"San Bruno Police Training Officers are partnering with San Bruno Fire Department Personnel to
administer training that will better equip officers to detect the symptoms of an opioid overdose and administer Naloxone in the event of an opioid exposure," Fry said in a news release.

Narcan works by reversing the depression of the central nervous system and respiratory system caused by opioids. It can be administered intravenously or injected into muscle. It can also be used as a nasal spray.

The use of Narcan by police officers has become more widespread as opioid addiction becomes more common.

"Law enforcement officers can be exposed to fentanyl through skin contact or inhalation of airborne
particles while performing their daily duties," Fry said. "Therefore, all sworn personnel will carry Naloxone to assist the public and first responders when necessary."

In 2017, California reported 1,883 opioid overdose deaths, according to the California Opioid Overdose Surveillance Dashboard website.

San Mateo County recorded a relatively small number of opioid overdose deaths in 2017, with most occurring in the rural areas in the southwest part of the county.

— Bay City News Service contributed to this report / Image via San Bruno Police Department