Full Notification

DATE OF RELEASE: June 7, 2018

West Covina Police Patrol Officers are now equipped with Narcan nasal spray and Automated External Defibrillators (AED’s). The West Covina City Council approved the funding for the equipment and training earlier in the year.

The Narcan nasal spray can reverse the effects of overdoses related to pain killers, and opioids such as heroin and fentanyl. The number of overdoses in West Covina have been low, but the trend in Los Angeles County and across the Nation is moving upward. Being able to administer the medicine quickly by first responders increases the odds of a person’s survival. Officers can not only use the medicine on citizens, but they can use it on themselves should they become accidently exposed to fentanyl.

Citizens suffering from heart attacks occur much more often than overdoses. Police officers are constantly patrolling the streets of West Covina and having access to a defibrillator can make the difference whether a person lives or dies. Law Enforcement are often first on scene to medical emergencies, but until now, West Covina Officers had to wait for paramedics to arrive and provide treatment.

West Covina Police Chief Marc Taylor stated, “The Police Department is grateful to the City Council and City Manager for supporting, and funding this program, as the opportunity to save lives will increase dramatically.”

News Release issued by Lieutenant Travis Tibbetts, PIO. For more information, call 626 939-8685 or 626 824-3781 (cell).