By John Burton
MIDDLETOWN – Township police officers performed on Thursday the department’s first use of Narcan since the narcotic overdoes antidote was issued to the department two weeks ago.
A 32-year-old subject, who was under arrest for a disorderly conduct charge and being processed, passed out and became unconscious from an apparent drug overdose, according to Det. Lieut. Stephen Dollinger, a police spokesman.
Patrolmen Charles Higgins and Adam Colfer recognized the symptoms and administered the remedy. Narcan immediately counteracted the effects of the narcotics in the subject’s system and the prison jolted back to consciousness, according to Dollinger.
The subject was taken to Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, for further treatment.
Narcan, the trade name for Naloxone, is given to victims to counter the effects of an opioid overdose, specifically the life-threatening depression of the central nervous system, respiratory system and hypotension. It is administered as nasal spray.
Gov. Chris Christie announced in April a pilot program for Monmouth and Ocean counties to train all police officers to administer the antidote.
Monmouth County has reported more than 180 heroin overdose deaths since 2011, according to the Governor’s Office.
Middletown police trained all officers in Narcan’s use and have equipped all patrol vehicles with it, according to Dollinger.
