Vernon Authorities: Narcan Application Saved Madison Man at Crash Site

VERNON, CT - Vernon emergency officials said the ability to administer Narcan at an accident scene paid dividends over the weekend in the case of a Madison man who crashed his Jeep along Route 83.

The crash took place at 3:19 a.m. Saturday on Route 83 near Dobson Road, police said. Emergency officials arrived at the scene found that a 2006 Jeep had struck a utility pole and rolled over, coming to rest in a small wooded area, police said.

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The pole was broken and utility wires were on the ground, police said.

The operator of the vehicle, Luke Edwards, 21, of Shorelands Drive in Madison was unresponsive, but a Vernon EMS crew administered Narcan to Edwards, who then regained consciousness, police said.

"The Narcan can have a dramatic effect, like in this case, where someone who is unconscious almost instantly became conscious and could walk around.," Vernon police spokesman Lt. William Meier said.

Edwards was transported by Life Star helicopter to Hartford Hospital for treatment of what was later found to be non-life threatening injuries, police said.

At Hartford Hospital, Vernon police arrested Edwards and charged him with driving under the influence and failure to maintain the proper lane, police said. He was released on a $500 non-surety bond and is scheduled to appear in Rockville Superior Court on July 25, police said.

Edwards was the only occupant of the car and his vehicle was the only one involved in the crash, police said. The road was closed for some time, police said.

Narcan is intended for immediate administration as emergency therapy in settings where opioids may be present, according to the Federal Food and Drug Administration.