A police officer helped save a suspected drug overdose victim’s life by administering an emergency antidote on his first shift after being trained in its use.
Special constable Stewart Barclay was on duty in Glasgow on Saturday, five days after receiving training on the use of naloxone.
He administered the nasal spray, which counters the effects of overdoses from opioids such as heroin and is being carried by some officers as part of a six-month pilot project.
Viewed as a first-aid treatment, it can provide extra time for the ambulance service to arrive and take over emergency medical treatment.
The Record has been campaigning for action to combat the rising number of drug deaths, including decrimalisation and the use of methods such as better access to rehab and naloxone.
Stewart, 54, said: “I was on duty on Saturday and we heard another car crew shouting for an ambulance to attend a male that had collapsed with a suspected drug overdose. I was conscious that within my subdivision I was the only officer trained and carrying naloxone.
“I shouted over the radio that we would also attend the incident.
“When we got out of the car, I could see he was in a bad way. I took the decision to administer the first dose of naloxone and there was a slight improvement in his condition.
“He relapsed and I decided to administer a further dose.
“He improved then he relapsed again, at which point the ambulance service had attended.
“The ambulance crew then administered 4mg more naloxone and he reacted to that and was taken to hospital.”
The man has since made a full recovery.
Carrying naloxone is voluntary but all frontline officers of the rank of constable, sergeant and inspector within the pilot areas of east Glasgow, Falkirk and Dundee will be required to undertake a training and education session. After that, they are asked if they wish to carry the drug as part of a pilot project in response to rising drug-related deaths in Scotland.
Stewart said: “One of the principle duties of a police officer is to preserve life and I firmly believe, in this instance, I was in a position to do that.”
