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The 100th use of nasal naloxone to save a life by South Wales Police officers and PCSOs has taken place.
The emergency antidote is used in cases of overdoses caused by heroin and other opiate or opioid substances and is carried by around 700 police officers, PCSOs and Special Constables.
This week, its milestone 100th positive use was recorded, just over two years since chief officers gave front line officers access.
Of the 100 positive uses, 36 have taken place in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, 32 in Mid Glamorgan and 32 in Cardiff and the Vale.
The number of employees volunteering to carry it has also continued to grow since its introduction.
Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Johnson, lead officer for naloxone, said:
“South Wales Police is leading the way in the nasal naloxone roll out and this is something of which we should be proud.
“Drugs do not discriminate, and we have successfully helped in saving the life of 100 people, who have been able to return home to family and friends.”
Naloxone works by reversing the breathing difficulties that can be brought on by an overdose of these substances, buying time for emergency medical care to arrive.
DCI Johnson added:
“Unfortunately drug related poisonings remain high in South Wales with new challenges emerging regularly, the latest being synthetic opioids.
“Nasal naloxone is just one of many interventions that is required to reduce drug related deaths. We continue to work with partners agencies to reduce drug poisonings.”