St. Tammany sheriff's deputies are now armed with the life-saving opioid overdose antidote Narcan.
Officials say they now have a supply of 200 doses of the nasal spray that they obtained free of charge from the Florida Parishes Human Services Authority.
Narcan has been used successfully to reverse overdose effects from opioids that include the slowing or stopping of an individual's breathing.
Sheriff Randy Smith says deputies often arrive at a scene before emergency services.
“When someone is overdosing and time is of the essence, this tool gives our deputies the ability to immediately render aid and potentially save lives," Smith added. "NARCAN will not prevent a person from using drugs in the future, but it gives them a fighting chance to have a future where they can make better decisions and ultimately get the help they need to fight their addiction.”
Copyright © 2018 TTWN Media Networks LLC Photo: St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office