A FORMER drug addict has been training Solihull and Chelmsley Wood police officers how to use a antidote to reverse the effects of an overdose.
Benjamin Smith, who works for Solihull Integrated Addiction Services (SIAS), spoke about his own experiences and the tell-tale signs of an overdose.
The training is part of the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner’s (PCC), Simon Foster, plan to have more front line police officers carrying Naloxone across the region.
Ben, who was an addict for 22 years, said: “This is absolutely vital, especially with the synthetic opioids that are currently in circulation.
“The use of Naloxone – especially with police who are the emergency service that can come across overdoses on a day-to-day basis – is saving lives in the community which is really important.
“The feedback from officers has been really receptive. The officers are really, really keen. They get into that job to help people and Naloxone is key to that. It’s so vital.”
Naloxone is a nasal spray which can temporarily reverse the effects of an overdose from opioids such as heroin, methadone, morphine and fentanyl.
It can buy precious time until specialist paramedics arrive.
Sergeant Emily Dooley, from the Solihull police team, said: “Officers have been really enthusiastic about wanting to take on the training.
“It’s something we’ve been hoping to get back for quite a while as it’s really beneficial for us.
“We join to make a difference and this is an area where we can really make a difference because most of the time we’re on scene first and, if we can get that help delivered to people before other emergency colleagues arrive, then brilliant.”
The PCC said the latest round of training will enable 280 neighbourhood and response officers to carry and administer Naloxone across the West Midlands Police force.
Mr Foster said: ““I’ve been keen to continue to expand the use of Naloxone, by officers across the West Midlands, for a number of years.
“So I’m delighted to hear the feedback from officers who have volunteered to carry this life-saving medication on our streets.
“This latest expansion will save lives, and delivers on my pledge to reduce avoidable deaths from drug use right across the region.”
