Oak Forest Police Trained to Deliver Heroin Overdose Antidote

OAK FOREST, IL – Oak Forest police officers recently completed training to administer naloxone, a prescription medicine that rapidly reverses heroin and other opioid overdoses.

“While this medicine is not the answer to prevent drug addiction, it will save lives,” said Oak Forest Police Chief Tim Kristin. “If we arrive on scene before the fire department, we are now prepared to administer the drug and make a difference. We are grateful to our fire personnel for sharing their knowledge with us during training.”

The training is a result of a state law that took effect on January 1, which requires police departments to carry an opioid antagonist in an effort to reduce the number of overdose deaths in communities across Illinois. According to data released last year by Roosevelt University's Illinois Consortium on Drug Policy, the Chicago metropolitan area has had more heroin-related emergency room visits than New York City, Boston or Detroit.

Cook County Commissioner Sean M. Morrison, in cooperation with the Orland Fire Protection District and Kaléo Inc., secured a grant to supply 12,000 free naloxone kits to all police departments in Cook County based on need.

Kristin said the pre-filled auto-injector is similar to using an automated external defibrillator.

“It basically walks you through it. Once the container is opened, an automated voice instructs you how to properly administer the drug. If no change is seen in the victim, a second dose can be given.”