Springfield Police Officers began carrying nasal Naloxone (Narcan) on March 19, 2019. The medication is attached to the automated external defibrillator (AED) in every marked, unmarked and undercover car used by the department so that each of the approximately 500 sworn officers who have access to an AED also have access to Narcan. Additionally, Narcan is available to all bureaus and in all satellite locations, and is located throughout the public safety complex.
Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood stated, “Implementing the Narcan program was one of my first initiatives when named acting Commission in February 2019. Our officers have saved more than 550 lives in our community in the past five years which speaks to both the success of the program, but also to the extent of the opioid crisis. As more heroin and other drugs become laced with the deadly opioid fentanyl, it is imperative that we continue to do our part in fighting this epidemic.”
Proper use of the medication is taught to officers during the police academy as well as each year during in-service training. As part of the training, officers learn the appropriate circumstances for Narcan use, how to administer doses and proper disposal methods after a dose is given.
Narcan, an opioid antagonist, can quickly reverse the effects of a potentially fatal overdose by binding to opioid receptors and reversing or blocking the effects of other opioids, quickly restoring normal breathing. Narcan is not dangerous if administered to a person who is not overdosing and it has no potential for abuse.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “God Bless our brave and dedicated men and women of the Springfield Police Department. Day in and day out our SPD officers continue to do their job of serving and protecting our community. This has never been more evident than with the increase in opioid-related overdoses. Thanks to our SPD carrying Narcan, they can immediately respond to these unfortunate situations and save lives and just as important, steer them towards recovery program assistance. Since SPD started carrying Narcan in their vehicles over 552 lives have been saved, a testament to their selfless service to our community and those in need.”
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) preliminary data for 2022 shows that there were 2,310 confirmed opioid‐related deaths, and DPH estimates that there will be an additional 46 to 48 deaths, totaling approximately 2,357 confirmed and estimated opioid‐related overdose deaths. Preliminary data from January‐March 2023 show there were 522 confirmed and estimated opioid‐related overdose deaths.
