Why this Ohio sheriff refuses to let his deputies carry Narcan to reverse overdoses

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussions' started by Abner, Jul 9, 2017.

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  1. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    Hmm,

    https://www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/news/to-your-health/wp/2017/07/08/an-ohio-countys-deputies-could-reverse-heroin-overdoses-the-sheriff-wont-let-them/

    “We don't do the shots for bee stings, we don't inject diabetic people with insulin. When does it stop?” he told The Washington Post.

    “I'm not the one that decides if people live or die. They decide that when they stick that needle in their arm.”

    That seems kind of harsh. In my mind, police officers have a duty to save someone from death if they can. On the other hand, this Narcanan issue is like spitting in the wind.
     
  2. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    We were the first police department in the country to carry Narcan on patrol, I think we're around 500 reversals at this point.

    I understand the sheriff's frustration; we've saved the same people multiple times, even the same person multiple times in the same day, and it sometimes seems like it just gives the addicts a false sense of security, as well as a tacit message that it's okay to use opiates. However, they're still humans, and it's not up to us to decide who's worthy of being saved, and who isn't. I'm given a tool, I use it when it's necessary, and the politicians can fight about the rest.

    My personal opinion is that anyone saved from an OD with Narcan should be committed to mandatory treatment for at least 30 days; the long-term success rate of that treatment probably wouldn't be stellar, but if it gets even a small percentage clean, I think it's worth it.
     
  3. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    Wow! five hundred reversals, if you think about that it's amazing. I also agree addicts should have to go in for reahab. Good job on saving lives man!
     
  4. RANSOMSOUL

    RANSOMSOUL New Member

    That number of saved lives is amazing and even if only a small percentage of them produce value into the world thereafter, it's an effort that feels worthy to applaud.
     
  5. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    The role that the police play in this situation is vital to saving lives. They are hero's in my mind.
     
  6. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    I am curious about something. Are people that are saved via Narcan charged for drugs or something? Are they pressed to give up who sold it to them? My nephew Od'D on something, and the doc called the cops who then charged him with certain things. Drub possession I guess.
     
  7. jhp

    jhp Member

    Average police salary in US: $61,270 (Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics Survey 2015)

    It might say it on a cruiser's door, but police do not have a duty to protect. Courts have ruled over and over that individuals have no right to police protection, or that police needs to intervene.

    An officer is constantly put into danger not just for their immediate life, but also for the rest of their professional life working the streets. They can be shot immediately, or destroyed by an overzealous prosecutor.
     
  8. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    I can't speak for anyplace else, but in Massachusetts, we can't charge anyone for possession of drugs at the scene of an OD, unless it amounts to possession with intent, distribution, or trafficking.

    I don't know about the Narcan, I assume that no one is charged money for it, but I can't say for certain.
     

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