February 7, 2018
SAFE KIDS PEE DEE/COASTAL LED BY McLEOD HEALTH DONATES NALOXONE BAGS
One of the often overlooked dangers arising out of the current opioid epidemic is to first responders, including law enforcement. All Florence County Sheriff’s Office deputies have been trained and equipped to use Naloxone (also known as “Narcan”) to counteract the effects of an opioid overdose. In less than a year, FCSO deputies have used Naloxone on approximately 7 occasions when encountering someone with signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose. Increasingly, law enforcement and first responders who are exposed to even tiny amounts of opioids in the course of their duties are being effected, sometimes fatally. Opioids in powder form are capable of being accidentally introduced into the body through the skin or inhaled (see attached photograph of lethal dose of opioids).
FCSO Narcotics Investigators on the front line of the heroin epidemic perceived a need for deputies to have the Naloxone readily available and located in a specific and predictable place in their vehicles so that if they become accidentally exposed, another deputy or first responder could easily locate that deputy’s Naloxone and use it to reverse the effects of the opioid.
Reaching out to a long-time corporate partner for help, Safe Kids Pee Dee/Coastal led by McLeod Health, made 75 clear, plastic, easily recognizable containers available without cost to FCSO for the storage of the Naloxone in the deputy’s vehicle. The bags were delivered to FCSO February 7, 2018 by Marla Blaker, Safe Kids Coordinator, and Tracie Foster, McLeod Community Outreach Coordinator (see attached photograph; left to right, Captain Timothy McFadden, Marla Blaker and Sergeant Gary Lewis).
All Florence County first responders, including EMS and volunteer fire fighters will now be trained on what to look for and how to locate the Naloxone in a deputy’s vehicle and how to use it if the deputy is the one who is incapacitated.
“This is just another example of the great partnership we enjoy with McLeod Health for the benefit of the citizens of Florence County and the Pee Dee,” Chief Deputy Glen Kirby stated. “Whether it is removing unwanted or expired prescription medication from the street through FCSO’s Drug Takeback Program, training on the proper use of child safety seats or the protection of deputies from accidental exposure to opioids, McLeod Health and McLeod Safe Kids has been there for us and we could not be more appreciative.”
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Major Michael M. Nunn
General Counsel/P.I.O.
