Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership celebrated a significant achievement on Tuesday, marking the training of 250 Lincolnshire Police officers to administer naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdoses.
Naloxone, available from drug treatment providers and some pharmacies, is a crucial first aid tool in combating the rising tide of opioid-related incidents. Lincolnshire Police have integrated naloxone training into their broader strategy to address drug use in the county, partnering with Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership, which offers free and confidential services related to drug and alcohol use.
The officers are trained to use Nyxoid, a nasal spray version of naloxone, and Prenoxad, an easy-to-use injection. To date, 270 officers have received training, with 231 equipped with naloxone, making Lincolnshire Police one of the leading forces in the country in naloxone implementation.
Special constable Felstead-Solley, one of the trained officers, emphasised the importance of naloxone for all operational officers. ‘Naloxone is vital for saving lives, which is our top priority. It’s a powerful tool, especially in life-threatening situations,’ he said. He highlighted the urgent need for help for those overdosing, whether accidentally or not, and the significant drug issues within the community.
The Home Office has projected an increase in drug-related deaths due to the rise in synthetic opioids like nitazenes, which are up to 500 times more potent than heroin. Recent figures indicate at least 400 drug-related deaths across the UK linked to nitazenes. Last year, the government classified 15 synthetic opioids, including 14 types of nitazenes, as Class A drugs.
Lincolnshire Police and Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership plan to continue their collaboration, focusing on naloxone training for teams in the east of the county ahead of the summer tourist season. Future training sessions will be integrated into police officers’ continuous professional development (CPD) and student officer training.
Stephen Knubley, deputy director of intelligence for Lincolnshire Police, underscored the importance of a multi-partnership approach in addressing the impact of illicit drugs. ‘Naloxone is safe, highly effective at reversing opioid overdoses, and can save lives. Training over 250 officers is a testament to the commitment of the Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership team and our holistic approach to community safety,’ he said.
Robyn Wight, acting consultant in public health at Lincolnshire County Council, praised the initiative, stating, ‘Preventing premature death is a priority for public health, and having over 250 police officers trained to carry naloxone is a significant step forward.’
Elli McNally, harm reduction and health promotion lead at Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership, highlighted the life-saving potential of naloxone. ‘Naloxone is easy to carry, simple to use, and should be part of everyone’s first aid kit. The police’s support for naloxone helps bridge gaps between substance users and law enforcement, fostering awareness and access to support.’
Adam Sutcliffe, senior operations manager at Lincolnshire Recovery Partnership, lauded the training milestone. ‘Training over 250 officers to administer naloxone is a remarkable achievement, demonstrating our progress in Lincolnshire. More people can now respond to emergencies and potentially save lives, showcasing our collaborative efforts with the police.’
This blog was originally published by Turning Point. You can read the original post here.
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