Claremore Police Save Man's Life With Narcan

A man is recovering after what could have been a fatal drug overdose.

For the first time, Claremore police used the overdose antidote Narcan to save someone's life.

Police officers in Claremore have only had Narcan for two weeks and say the new tool is already saving lives.

"This is probably an opioid overdose,” said Claremore Police Chief Stan Brown.

Claremore Police officers responded to a 911 call when they found an unconscious man.

They reached for their newest tool Narcan, a nasal spray that helps treat opioid overdoses.

"Within seconds he says it's like he popped back to life,” said Brown. “Had we not been there in the time we were there was a great possibility that he would've died before he got the treatment he needed."

Opioid overdose isn't something Police Chief Stan Brown says has always been an issue in Claremore. But in the last few years, Brown says officers are dealing with more and more cases.

"More likely than not when the 911 call comes in, when they show up on the scene they are probably going to be the true first responder,” Brown stated. “"We need to get this tool available to our patrolman.”

With the help of Cherokee Nation and the Oklahoma Health Department, they were able to do just that. Now, every officer at the Claremore Police Department carries Narcan.

"It's actually a very easy tool to use,” said Claremore police officer Vicki Hershberger.

Officer Hershberger teaches officers how to use the antidote.

"The instant that we squirt it in, it should immediately hit those receptors,” said Hershberger. "It should bring them back pretty quickly."

It's a new tool officers use as they face a growing opioid epidemic and one that Brown says, is helping his officers stay prepared for any obstacle they face.

"It truly matters to this community because who knows the value of the life you save, what they can bring further on down the road to other people,” said Brown. “It's the gift that keeps on giving."

Chief Brown says the next step for the department is to get independent first aid kits for each officer to help treat gunshot wounds while they wait for paramedics.