Police Report Use of Narcan Might Have Been Lifesaver for Overdosed Resident

Effingham city police say their use of Narcan might have been a lifesaver Wednesday night.

City police were called to a parking lot in the city at 8:30pm after a report was received about a subject who had reportedly overdosed on heroin. Officers who were at headquarters completing a separate call for service responded with two naloxone kits. Naloxone, sold under the brand name Narcan, is a medication used to block the effects of opioids, especially in overdose victims. On reaching the scene, officers discovered an unresponsive 26-year-old male seated in a vehicle. Witnesses confirmed the individual had ingested heroin, and two doses of naloxone were successfully administered by officers. The individual was taken by ambulance to HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham for further treatment.

Effingham officers are provided ongoing training on how and when to administer naloxone and officers have kits provided by HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital for just such a situation.

Effingham Police Chief Jeff Fuesting praised the quick response and successful efforts of his officers, saying, "Although we always hope never to have to use our Narcan kits, this incident is a great example of how thorough training, coupled with a partnership with St. Anthony's Hospital, provides services to our community that go beyond the scope of patrolling. I am very pleased that our officers were able to quickly and efficiently bring a positive outcome to this situation."

Fuesting said that the Police Department's mission is to provide responsive and professional servces to the community, and by partnering with businesses and organizations such as the hospital, the department continues to enhance the quality of life in the city.