Police Use Narcan To Save Overdose Victim In Princeton

PRINCETON, NJ — A pair of Princeton police officers recently saved a 32-year-old man from an overdose using Narcan. Sgt. Thomas Lagomarsino and Ptl. Andre Lee responded to a report of an unresponsive man who was believed to be overdosing from narcotics at about 3:11 p.m. Wednesday afternoon May 24, Princeton police said Thursday afternoon.

Upon their arrival, the officers found the victim unresponsive and breathing in an agonal manner. Signs of agonal breathing include gasping, labored breathing, strange vocalizations and spasms.

The officers prepared the nasal Naloxone Hydrochloride (Narcan) kit, and when Princeton First Aid and Rescue squad members arrived, a second dose of Narcan was administered.

As first responders prepared to apply the A.E.D., the patient suddenly regained full consciousness as the Narcan took effect, police said.

The victim was referred to Recovery Advocates of America for treatment as part of the Princeton Police Department’s Princeton Community Addiction Recovery Effort (C.A.R.E.) Program. The victim was not identified.

Under the provisions of the the New Jersey Opioid Antidote and Overdose Prevention Act overdose victims and those persons reporting the overdose are not charged with a crime pertaining to the use and possession of drugs at the time of the overdose.

Police departments in Mercer County began using the antidote in 2014. That year, 600 kits were distributed to police departments in the county, including Princeton.

Attached image of Ptl Andre Lee, left, and Sgt. Thomas Lagomarsino, right, was provided by the Princeton Police Department.