Local police can soon start administering Narcan, a drug that counteracts the effects of an opioid overdose, under new rules established by the N.H. Department of Safety.
State law prohibits non-licensed personnel from administering Narcan, and under the previous rules, police officers would have had to complete some 100 hours of training to receive a license. The new rules make it easier for police to undergo training and receive a license.
“The rising rate of heroin and opioid overdoses is one of the most pressing public health and safety challenges facing our state. By creating a new license level … we can increase the safe and effective use of this life-saving emergency treatment,” Gov. Maggie Hassan said in a statement. — Larry Clow