Drug spray used 'more than police force expected'

Naloxone is given as a spray and can reverse the effects of opioid drugs like heroin

A life-saving spray which reverses the effect of opioid drug overdoses has been used by North Yorkshire Police "a lot more" than expected, the force said.

Since introducing it in April 2024, 337 police officers and police community support officers have been trained to use and carry naloxone in the county.

It has been used 37 times, officers said, with 17 incidents recorded where a drug-user's life was saved or their health improved, according to force harm reduction officer Danny Stannard.

"Where paramedics and ambulances have a long way to get to incidents, having us there may just buy that window of opportunity to save someone's life until an ambulance arrives," he said.

The emergency nasal spray can restore normal breathing to a person within 15 minutes of an opioid overdose, according to police.

On 24 November, response officers in Scarborough administered naloxone when a man in his 40s collapsed at the police station's front desk.

The force said he was displaying symptoms of an overdose of a heroin-type drug, as his breathing was slow, his heart rate was weak and his lips and fingers were discoloured.

Danny Stannard says police view the emergency antidote as "very much like a defibrillator"

PC Stuart Hughes, who delivered the nasal spray, said it was the second time he had used it.

"It reassures members of the public that the police can save lives," he said.

"Police are often first on scene to most incidents and administering naloxone at the earliest opportunity can prevent further harm or death of a vulnerable person."

"It has been used a lot more than we expected it to be," Mr Stannard said.

He added that naloxone was viewed by the National Police Chiefs' Council as "very much like a defibrillator".

"First and foremost, the police's role is to protect and preserve life as well as investigate crime," he added.

"Some of the people that we are dealing with are some of the most vulnerable people that live in our communities."

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