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Police testing medication to counter drug overdose
Portland police have begun testing a medication that can save people suffering from life-threatening drug overdoses.
Beginning this week, 13 Central Precinct officers will begin carrying Naloxone also called Narcan that helps reverse the effects of certain types of narcotics, specifically opiates like heroin.
Members of Portland Fire & Rescue have trained the volunteer officers on the use and application of Naloxone. The Portland Police Bureau will conduct the pilot project for a year and examine the results in January 2016.
This pilot project is being supervised by the Drugs and Vice Division, the unit charged with investigating drug-related deaths in Portland.
The officers trained on the use of Naloxone will work in districts with the highest concentration of opiate drug abuse and overdose incidents.
Anyone experiencing a drug overdose or knowing someone experiencing a drug overdose should call 9-1-1 immediately to receive potentially life-saving medical care.