The Seal Beach Police Department responded to an opioid overdose incident and administered Narcan to save a life, according to a statement issued on Monday, April 15. “This incident highlights the critical role of Narcan in saving lives during opioid overdoses, particularly with the prevalence of dangerous substances like fentanyl,” said Seal Beach Chief of Police Michael Henderson. “We are grateful for the swift response of our officers and the collaboration with OCFA in providing immediate medical assistance.”
On Thursday March 7, at approximately 12:42 p.m., the Seal Beach Police Department responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the 100 block of 14th Street in Seal Beach. The caller described a black Ford Excursion with a male driver appearing to be slumped over the steering wheel and another individual possibly unconscious in the back.
Upon arrival, officers encountered a black F-250 with a camper shell, with the engine running. A man standing outside the vehicle informed officers that his friend was inside sleeping. When approached, the individual said his friend had a history of narcotics use. An officer checked on the individual’s welfare and found him unconscious but breathing inside the running vehicle. Despite attempts to wake the man, the individual remained unresponsive.
Based on his training and experience, the officer recognized the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose and immediately got a Narcan 4mg nasal dose emergency opioid treatment from his patrol vehicle. The officer administered the Narcan into the subject’s left nostril. After about 20 seconds, the subject regained consciousness.
After regaining consciousness, the individual was assessed by Orange County Fire Authority paramedics. The officer assisted in contacting the individual’s family members and remained on scene to monitor his wellbeing and ensure his safety until family members arrived to transport him to a local hospital.
SBPD officers started carrying Narcan in 2018. All sworn officers have been trained to use naloxone and be given a kit containing two doses of the medicine along with gloves, a CPR mask and other items meant to protect the officer during the administration of the medicine. The officers receive refresher training every two years in partnership with the Orange County Health Care Agency.
The program has been funded by the California Department of Health Care Services Naloxone Distribution Project.
For more information, contact the SBPD at (562) 799-4100 or refer to the DHCS website https://californiaopioidresponse.org/.
