On Friday afternoon employees of a downtown store called 911 to report that a man was unresponsive on the floor of their restroom. It was believed that the man had experienced an opioid overdose, as employees located several syringes next to him. The employees informed 911 operators that they were beginning CPR. Bicycle Officers Gordillo and Merritt responded and took over CPR and administered a Naloxone nasal injection to the unresponsive man. Seattle Fire medics arrived and took over medical treatment. Shortly after the dose was administered a pulse was detected. The man began breathing on his own. Several minutes later the man opened his eyes and sat up. Shortly after that he started to answer questions, admitting that he had used heroin in the restroom. The man was transported to Harborview Medical Center for further evaluation and treatment.
This incident marks the 18th time officers have successfully used naloxone since Seattle police began carrying it in mid-March. The case will become part of the ongoing study conducted by the University of Washington into SPD’s use of naloxone for a possible department-wide deployment.
As a reminder, Washington law provides immunity from criminal drug possession charges for anyone seeking medical aid for themselves or someone else experiencing an overdose.
