Seattle police have saved 8 people with overdose drug

SEATTLE — Seattle police have saved eight people using an overdose reversal drug called naloxone.

The eighth lifesaving use was reported Tuesday near Westlake Mall in downtown Seattle.

Bike officers Randy Jokela and Jason Drummond were on patrol when they saw a man lying in an alcove. The man was pale and unconscious, according to officers. A spoon and a syringe were found nearby.

Drummond gave the man a dose of nasal naloxone. When medics arrived, they took over treatment of the man, who regained consciousness before he was taken to Harborview.

Seattle officers started carrying naloxone in mid-March.

Another recent rescue was reported in early May when officers Matt Newsome and Dick Bonesteel saw a 61-year-old man lying in an alley. He had stopped breathing and was foaming at the mouth, and there was an orange hypodermic needle cap beside him.

The department said officers administered the drug, also known as Narcan, and the man began breathing again, opened his eyes and started talking.

The department is considering having all officers carry naloxone.

Washington law provides immunity from criminal drug possession charges for anyone who seeks medical aid for themselves or someone else experiencing an overdose.

Cox Media Group