Wantage police to carry life-saving drug overdose medication

Thames Valley Police’s neighbourhood policing officers were recently issued with Naloxone, an emergency medicine which can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

Described as ‘an important step for our community’ the police are trained to use the medication to provide “immediate, critical treatment” in the first moments of otherwise potentially fatal emergencies.

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A spokesperson for the force said: “We are often the closest people to an emergency, arriving before other services can get there.

“Many of the individuals we work with are vulnerable and may be affected by drug use, including opioids.

“That means we’re frequently the first to encounter someone experiencing a potentially fatal overdose.

Naloxone has been issued to police (Image: Thames Valley Police)

“Naloxone is a life‑saving medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

“By carrying it — and being fully trained to use it — our officers now have the ability to provide immediate, critical treatment in those vital first moments.

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“This isn’t just about policing; it’s about protecting lives.

“It’s about giving someone the chance to survive until paramedics arrive. It’s about making sure we have every possible tool to help the people we serve.”

Officers have been issued with single dose containers of Naloxone nasal spray, for use in drug overdose situations for opioids like heroine, morphine and prescription opioid medications.