Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

PR #: 1800067
Date Issued: Jun 18, 2018 - 10:40am

Washoe County Sheriff's Office deputies use Narcan kit to help treat an overdose victim for the second weekend in a row

CONTACT: Bob Harmon
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Office 775-785-6235
Cell 775-722-5517

For the second weekend in a row, a Washoe County Sheriff's deputy used his first aid training and a Narcan kit to help treat a person suffering from a drug overdose. Narcan kits became available to deputies as part of a Sheriff's Office Overdose Prevention Program supported by a generous donation from the National Sheriffs' Association.

The latest incident took place during the early morning hours of Sunday, June 17, 2018. Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Franks Lane in Sun Valley on the report of an unresponsive 19-year-old female at approximately 1:45 a.m. The first deputy arrived on scene about eight minutes later.

The deputy determined that the woman had a weak pulse but was unconscious and not breathing. After determining the cause to be related to a narcotics overdose, the deputy administered an injection of Narcan. The deputy then performed CPR on the victim until she regained consciousness and began breathing on her own.

About two minutes later the victim lost consciousness again. The deputy administered a second injection of Narcan and continued with life-saving measures until medical help arrived. The victim was transported by REMSA to a local hospital for treatment and was believed to be in stable condition.

"Our deputies continue to show the value of their training, resources, and quick thinking to help treat people who are suffering from a narcotics overdose," Washoe County Sheriff Chuck Allen said. "These incidents also serve as a crucial reminder that those who choose to abuse drugs are taking a dangerous gamble with their lives."

Thanks to an Overdose Prevention Program supported by the National Sheriffs' Association, Naloxone Hydrochloride (Narcan) kits and training have been available to Washoe County Sheriff's Office patrol deputies since November of 2017.

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The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.

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