KPD officer use of Naloxone continues to save lives
Published on March 05, 2024
KAPA‘A – Police responded to a medical call and administered Naloxone (Narcan) to revive an unconscious woman last Tuesday.
On Feb. 27 at approximately 2 p.m., police responded to a medical call that involved an unconscious woman. According to preliminary reports, a 54-year-old female resident of Kapa‘a was found unresponsive by an acquaintance, who began performing CPR. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful and 9-1-1 was notified. KPD Officer Daniel Ball arrived on scene and recognized the victim was exhibiting the signs of an opioid overdose. Officer Ball administered one dose of Naloxone but saw little improvement in the woman’s condition. Officer Christian Kaui arrived shortly after Officer Ball and administered a second dose of Naloxone to the woman. The woman regained consciousness and was transported to the Wilcox Memorial Hospital for further treatment. No other injuries were reported.
“I’m thankful that we were able to get there in time and save a life,” said Officer Ball, the first officer to arrive at the scene. “That’s the reason why I signed up for this job, to have the opportunity to help people that really need it.”
Opioid and fentanyl overdoses can result in death within moments and requires immediate medical intervention. The Kaua‘i Police Department began issuing Naloxone to its officers in 2019. Since 2021, there have been over 20 reported incidents that involved KPD officers administering Naloxone to persons exhibiting the signs of an opioid overdose.
Last week’s successful overdose intervention is the third life saved by KPD officers within 60 days. On Dec. 29, 2023, at approximately 7:40 p.m., Officer Il Hwan Yum and Officer Ian Cowden administered Naloxone to two men who were unconscious, exhibiting signs of an opioid overdose and not responding to CPR efforts. Both individuals survived the incident due to the rapid response and readiness of responding officers.
“If you suspect someone is suffering from a potential opioid overdose, please immediately call 9-1-1. Our utmost priority is to save lives,” shared Police Chief Todd Raybuck. “Many times, there are instances when police officers arrive at the scene before emergency medical services and the fire department. Naloxone equips officers with an essential resource, enabling them to swiftly intervene, particularly in time-sensitive situations where every second counts.”
Since 2021, there have been over 20 reported incidents that involved KPD officers administering Naloxone to persons exhibiting the signs of an opioid overdose.
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Courtesy of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website: Naloxone is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designed to rapidly reverse opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist—meaning that it binds to opioid receptors and can reverse and block the effects of other opioids, such as heroin, morphine, and oxycodone. Administered when a patient is showing signs of opioid overdose, naloxone is a temporary treatment and its effects do not last long. Therefore, it is critical to obtain medical intervention as soon as possible after administering or receiving naloxone.