Overdose reversing spray added to police vehicles

The kits will be put inside vehicles used by Devon and Cornwall Police

A nasal spray used to treat suspected drug overdoses is being added to hundreds of Devon and Cornwall Police vehicles.

The force said naloxone, which temporarily reverses the effects of opioid-based drugs, will be rolled out to 400 police vehicles to help save lives.

It said the kits would contain guidance for police officers on triaging someone who has potentially suffered a drug overdose.

They will also have a card officers can hand to medics to notify them if naloxone has been administered.

Triage system

Supt Robert Youngman said the medication would help officers protect more vulnerable people.

"Having nasal naloxone readily available to our officers ensures that we are equipped to step in and help people when they need it most," he said.

"We aren't replacing paramedics, but naloxone helps us to stabilise victims while we wait for medics to arrive. Lives will be saved."

The force said the new kits would have 10-second triage systems with colour-coded snap wristbands to help paramedics prioritise the most urgent cases.