Many area emergency personnel carry Naloxone for overdoses

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) is joining the South Lake Tahoe Fire and Lake Valley Fire medics in having their personnel carrying medication used to block the effects of opioids. Narcan (commercial name for Naloxone) can be given to persons suffering from suspected or accidental opioid overdoses at the earliest possible time to minimize overdosing.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is issuing each Deputy Nasal Narcan (Naloxone), while the medics normally carry the medication for intravenous use. When given in an injection to a patient's muscle it can work within five minutes and last from 30-60 minutes.

Due to the possibility of law enforcement officers, coming into accidental contact with opioids, specifically Fentanyls, whether by accidental inhalation or skin absorption, DCSO deputies are able to administer Nasal Narcan to counter act the effects of accidental exposure as well. In addition to Nasal Narcan each deputy will be issued a Personal Protective Equimpment, PPE, specific to Fentanyl exposure. Each kit contains a protective gown, face mask, gloves and booties.

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department is looking into their officers having Naloxone in their vehicles. Since the fire department arrives at many scenes right behind them, they haven't found the need for the overdose drug yet, but are evaluating the need.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office does not have their deputies carry at this point either.