After the number of opioid-related deaths in Florida jumped 35 percent in 2016, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) announced on Wednesday that troopers will begin carrying Narcan, a life-saving overdose antidote.
Troopers will use Narcan when they encounter individuals who are overdosing while patrolling the state’s highways. Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Director Terry Rhodes said the move is part of a “concerted, collaborative” effort to curb the opioid epidemic.
“Safety for our Troopers and those we serve has been and always will be the department’s number one priority, and it’s critical that our members can safely perform their jobs to help prevent any unnecessary injuries or deaths in our state,” Rhodes said.
Last week, troopers in Broward, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Martin, and Indian River counties became the first to carry Narcan. Troopers in all areas of the state will be issued Narcan by the end of February.
“FHP knows firsthand the seriousness of the opioid crisis and the department is taking the necessary steps to adapt our techniques and arm our troopers with the tools that will ensure the safety of the public and FHP,” Col. Gene Spaulding, director of the Florida Highway Patrol, said. “With the rise of deaths associated with the use of Fentanyl and Carfentanil, it is important to have this antidote available to our troopers, who are often the first to arrive on scene on Florida roadways.”