LEONARDTOWN, MD (April 29, 2015) – This month, the St. Mary’s County Health Department, Sheriff’s Office, and Emergency Medical Services Medical Director Dr. Michael Somers completed the initiative to train and equip local law enforcement officials to administer naloxone in suspected opioid overdose situations. Administering naloxone, a medication to quickly restore the breathing of someone who has overdosed on opioids, may prevent death from use of heroin or prescription opioid pain medications like oxycodone, fentanyl or methadone.
“Our health department team is extremely grateful to Sheriff Cameron and Dr. Somers for this collaboration,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “Because of the dedicated efforts of the Sheriff’s Office and the time donated by Dr. Somers to provide training, over 140 local law enforcement officials are prepared to administer naloxone to persons in need. This saves lives and gives people a chance to access the treatment they really need.”
The St. Mary’s County Health Department will be offering classes to others in the community who may be able to save the life of someone experiencing breathing problems from opioid overdose. Individuals who successfully complete the 1.5 hour training curriculum will receive a certificate allowing them to obtain and have filled a prescription for naloxone. The training is meant for adults who are more likely to be in a situation where they could help someone experiencing opioid overdose when emergency medical services are not immediately available. This could include concerned parents, caregivers, and others whose social, occupational, volunteer, or family experience might lead to a situation where they could help restore the breathing of someone who has overdosed on opioids.
Participants in the training will learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of opioid overdose, the importance of calling 9-1-1 in medical emergencies, as well as how to administer naloxone and care for someone until emergency help arrives.
Interested community members may apply for certification on the health department’s website at www.smchd.org/overdose
For further information about naloxone training, please contact Jenna Mulliken at jenna.mulliken@maryland.gov or at 301-475-4323.
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