Life-saving overdose reversal drug rolled out to frontline officers

A life-saving drug which can help those who have overdosed on drugs such as heroin has been rolled out to frontline officers – and been successfully administered for the first time in the city. 

Forty officers have already been trained on how to use a nasal spray version of Naloxone, called Nyxoid, and are now voluntarily carrying this medication as part of their standard issue equipment as they carry out their duties. 

Naloxone works by temporarily reversing the effects of opioid/opiate drugs, if someone has overdosed, by reversing the depression of the central nervous and respiratory systems, potentially helping to prevent a casualty from dying, and buying them crucial time until paramedics arrive. 

As part of the roll-out, an initial 400 Nyxoid kits have been funded by Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire Public Health, with each kit containing two sprays as well as harm reduction advice for those treated. 

The drug was successfully used for the first time in the city by PC Ian Clay, who was trained as part of the roll-out. 

A member of the public attended the Radford Road front counter, on the afternoon of 5 November, and reported someone had overdosed in Gladstone Street.

PC Clay said: “Officers had attended and confirmed that a man was unconscious but breathing. I heard this over the radio and because I have Nyxoid as personal issue, I attended to assist. 

“Response officers were already present and the man was in his room on the floor. He was unconscious with short rapid breathing that had a rattling sound. His eyes were closed and he was in the recovery position.” 

Unknown empty tablet blisters had been found in the room, which looked like they may be prescription tablets. An unopened bottle of the opioid Oramorph – a liquid form of morphine – along with other tablets were also next to the bed.

PC Clay continued: “Having received training in administering Nyxoid, and being aware of the advantages it has in combating the effects of opiates and its safe use when used if opiates aren’t present, I administered the first dose in the man’s nostril and set a time. 

“I continued trying to communicate with the casualty. His eye lids started to flicker, although his eyes remained closed, and his breathing started to stabilise. 

“After three minutes I administered the second dose of Nyxoid into his other nostril and continued talking to him. His eyes opened, although he was non-coherent and weak. 

“I was aware the Nyxoid would only be effective for a limited time before whatever had caused the incident could return and repeat the reaction. 

“He couldn’t stand up on his own, so I assisted the other officers in getting him to the police car and he was taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre."

The man later discharged himself and was signposted towards treatment.

"As a police officer, the protection of the most vulnerable people in society is a core value and function," PC Clay added.  

"I recognise the risks and dangers of substance use and the vulnerabilities of drug users, so I'm proud that my actions that day helped to save this man's life."

Detective Inspector Richard Guy, of Nottinghamshire Police’s drug and substance interventions team, which is part of the force's Prevention Hub, said: “The preservation of life is at the very heart of our officers’ duties and PC Clay’s quick thinking by administering Naloxone helped to save this man’s life. 

“In Nottingham and Nottinghamshire we are facing a significant issue of drug-related deaths relating to drug use. We hope the deployment of Naloxone to the front line, which has come as a result of some excellent partnership working, will help us to prevent overdoses and save more lives.

"I'd like to thank our public health partners, Change Grow Live, Nottingham Recovery Network, and The Health Shop for collaborating on this project."

Lucy Hubber, Nottingham City Council’s Director of Public Health and chair of the Nottingham Substance Use Strategic Partnership, said: “Every drug-related death is tragic and, in most cases, preventable.

"We know that the risk of overdose can be reduced if treatment is provided quickly, which is why this initiative enabling police officers who may be first on the scene to carry and administer Naloxone is so important.

"It’s a prime example of a joint public health approach across all the different agencies which can help to save lives.”

Councillor Scott Carlton, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health at Nottinghamshire County Council and the Senior Responsible Owner of the Nottinghamshire Drug and Alcohol Partnership, said: “This is an incredible step forwards preventing very vulnerable people dying from drug overdoses.

"Having frontline police officers now carrying Naloxone is positive development in helping to save more lives when they encounter anyone who needs immediate help and support."