Narcan, a potential antidote for heroin and other opiate overdoses, is now being carried by Jackson police officers. A new state law allows properly trained first responders to administer the drug; formerly, only EMTs were authorized to do so. The officers were trained by the Jackson Fire Department. The same law gives people immunity from criminal prosecution for drug possession if they bring someone to an emergency room or call 911 because they believe the person is suffering from an overdose. However, it doesn’t provide immunity for drug dealing or other serious crimes. Each use-once Narcan kit costs $23.
Chief Jed Dolnick stated that Jackson police are often first to arrive at rescue calls, so it made sense for them to have Narcan available.
